Committee signs off on DOT GA review and flags pilotage commission appointment concerns

During its Feb. 5 session the Transportation Committee approved a standard GA report letter endorsing that the Department of Transportation is operating within its authority and authorized the chair to sign the copies dated that day.

Committee members also discussed the Pilotage Commission GA review. While the committee indicated that the commission is operating within its authority, members voiced concerns that all members’ terms have expired and that two positions added in the last session have not received appointments. Staff produced draft language for two letters: one for the committee calendar and one directed to the governor’s appointments office and legislative leaders to note the committee’s concerns about appointments and the economic viability of pilot services given decreased cruise activity.

Representative Lydia Crafts commended the Department of Transportation’s report and said she felt confident in the department’s work. The committee directed staff to include additional language noting the expired terms and asked that both letters be sent (the calendar letter and the appointments letter).