1993-01-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 0073
SB 50                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 50 by the Senate Rules Committee by request                    
of the Governor, entitled:                                                     
                                                                               
"An Act making appropriations for capital projects;                           
and providing for an effective date."                                          
                                                                               

1993-01-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 0074
SB 50                                                                        
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15:                                
                                                                               
Dear President Halford:                                                        
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution,          
I am transmitting legislation making appropriations for capital                
projects for fiscal year 1994.                                                 
                                                                               
As with my proposed operating budget, the capital budget focuses on            
government meeting its basic and traditional responsibilities to its           
citizens.  To this end, my capital budget provides over $42 million            
for water and sewer projects throughout Alaska.  We must continue              
to build upon this Administration's unprecedented financial                    
commitment to protecting the health of every Alaskan.                          
                                                                               
Funding for education facilities is also one of the state's basic              
responsibilities to its citizens.  My capital budget provides over $44         
million for educational facilities, and includes $19 million for the           
University of Alaska and another $25 million in funding for the top            
priorities in our K-12 system.                                                 
                                                                               
Another area of emphasis is protecting our state's assets.  For too            
long our buildings, roads and facilities have been left without repair.        
It is time we step up to our responsibilities and provide some of the          
funding necessary to get this job done.  I will be introducing other           
legislation that will further meet these responsibilities by providing         
additional funding for the University of Alaska and our K-12                   
education system.                                                              
                                                                               
The demands of our criminal justice system can also be seen in the             
capital budget.  Our correctional system facilities can no longer              
physically absorb the burdens of an increasing prison population and           
this budget includes $10 million for the correctional system.                  
Completion of the Anchorage Court House will also be possible with             
the $21.5 million proposed.                                                    
                                                                               

1993-01-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 0075
SB 50                                                                        
The capital needs of the state far exceed the level of funding I have          
proposed.  I am hopeful this legislation provides a road map of how            
we can continue to make progress in meeting our responsibilities to            
the state and Alaskans.  Toward this end, I look forward to working            
with the legislature.                                                          
                                                                               
Additional information pertaining to the appropriations requested in           
this bill are being furnished to the legislature by my Office of               
Management and Budget.                                                         
                                                                               
      Sincerely,                                                               
      /s/                                                                      
      Walter J. Hickel                                                         
      Governor