State legislators wrapped up the legislative session amidst a flurry of amendments to the state capital budget, which includes nearly $3 million in funding for several local projects.
After all the debate and discussion the Legislature passed a $2.7 billion budget, just minutes before adjourning the first 90-day legislative session in Alaska since 1973. Some $39.75 million in state money was set aside for local projects.
However, after Gov. Sarah Palin vetoed $231 million from last year's capital budget, nothing is guaranteed.
Chugiak Rep. Bill Stoltze said Sunday, April 13, that he is ready to fight for his projects.
“There are projects in there that I've supported and I've vetted through my communities, through a lot of local process,” Stoltze said. “So anything I've facilitated putting in there I'm ready to defend in public, to the governor, to anybody.”
Among the local items approved in the capital budget were several projects the governor had vetoed from the supplemental budget earlier this month, totaling $2.89 million.
The projects to which funding was restored include $25,000 for building maintenance at the Chugiak Benefit Association, $5,000 for the preservation and storage of historical documents for the Chugiak-Eagle River Historical Society, $370,000 for collection expansion and site upgrades for the Chugiak-Eagle River branch library, $500,000 for a new police substation in Eagle River and $500,000 to address drainage problems on Yosemite Drive.
Another item vetoed in the supplemental budget that gained approval in the capital budget is the expansion of the McDonald Recreation Center. Unlike the other vetoed items that were placed in the capital budget with no changes, the funding request for the McDonald Center was increased from $990,000 to $1.99 million.
There are several big-ticket transportation and road construction projects included in the final version of the capital budget, including $12 million for the Eagle River Loop Road construction project, which is set to begin this summer. Wilder Construction was awarded the bid for the project last month from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
Repairing the ruts in the Glenn Highway is another local road project included. The $11.5 million in resurfacing and repair work is to begin this summer. The Legislature also approved $5 million for the reconstruction of the Old Glenn Highway.
The capital budget provides $550,000 for DOT to address flooding and drainage issues in the Eagle Glenn subdivision near the Glenn Highway.
Other funding for road projects includes a $1 million grant to the Chugiak, Birchwood, Eagle River Rural Road Service Area for street maintenance and repairs.
Fire Lake Elementary School will receive $45,000 for library and technology upgrades and for the replacement of unsafe sports equipment.
The capital budget also includes funds for the Southcentral Alaska Boys and Girls Club to purchase the Eagle River and South Anchorage clubhouses.
Lions Park will receive $380,000 to make upgrades to the park, including resurfacing the tennis courts.
The Alaska Department of Corrections will receive an extra $800,000 for improvements at the Hiland Mountain Correctional Center.
The restored funding for the local library and police substation will be added to a $1.2 million allotment in the capital budget to the municipality toward the development of a town center in Eagle River.
Legislators were happy with what was included in the capital budget, but some, including co-chairman of the House Finance Committee, Rep. Kevin Meyer of Anchorage, said they expect Palin will cut some items from the budget.
“I'm certain there will be vetoes,” he said in a written release. “We took a lot of money off the table so we wouldn't spend it, couldn't spent it. But everyone expects there will be some vetoes. The governor never really gave us a target number.”
The budget was forwarded to Palin, who has 30 days to either sign the legislation or veto specific items.
“We've consistently stated our concern, in the governor's office and with all of our departments, on the overall level of spending, the largesse that seemed really tough for lawmakers to control as more and more of the adds started piling on into the budget,” Palin said. “We're going to continue to find efficiencies in state government and that may require using the veto.”
Reach the reporter at darrell.breese@alaskastar.com.
