2001-01-12                     House Journal                      Page 0069
HB 47                                                                                             
HOUSE BILL NO. 47 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                        
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    "An Act making capital appropriations and capitalizing funds;                                   
    making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of                                
    the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund;                               
    and providing for an effective date."                                                           
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 10, 2001, appears                                   
below:                                                                                              

2001-01-12                     House Journal                      Page 0070
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
I am transmitting to you today my proposed capital budget for                                       
FY2002.  Together with proposals for schools and major maintenance                                  
that you will receive separately, it represents a solid investment to                               
meet the most critical needs for Alaska's economic development and                                  
basic public services such as education, transportation and public                                  
protection.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
We must address needs such as critical deferred maintenance projects,                               
emergency communications equipment upgrades mandated by the                                         
federal government, water and sewer systems, and safety equipment                                   
for child protection and public safety personnel.  This budget makes                                
necessary investments in these basic areas as well as some strategic                                
economic development projects, such as the gasline development.                                     
                                                                                                    
This $1.2 billion capital appropriations bill includes $100.9 million in                            
general funds and $827.4 million in federal funds.  AHFC capital                                    
funds remain at $52 million and the $17.5 million AIDEA dividend is                                 
again recommended principally for the community capital matching                                    
grants program.                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
I look forward to working with you to put together a responsible                                    
capital budget for the coming year.                                                                 
                                                                                                    
                               Sincerely,                                                           
                               /s/                                                                  
                              Tony Knowles                                                         
                               Governor"