Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1625 SB 236 SENATE BILL NO. 236 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1626 "An Act establishing the Alaska transportation fund and relating to the fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing a state transportation fund. An efficient and functional transportation system is vital to Alaska's economy. For the first time in Alaska's history, a reliable source of state financing would be in place. The bill would result in a predictable yearly amount that would be available to supplement state transportation financing. With growth over time through investment and future contributions, the fund could help ensure Alaska's transportation infrastructure is adequately maintained and improved. Declining federal funding and the need for transportation infrastructure to grow our economy make establishing a transportation fund a smart and fiscally responsible decision. In addition, high oil prices resulting in budget surpluses, uniquely position Alaska to utilize our non-renewable natural resource wealth to generate renewable dollars for years to come. A stable source of transportation funding would benefit current and future generations of Alaskans alike, and would reduce Alaska's dependence on federal aid dollars. Furthermore, the use of state funds would allow critical projects to be completed much sooner than through the traditional federal highways program. This is because the state funded projects are not subject to the time consuming scrutiny the federal funding process entails. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1627 The need for this new, permanent source of funding for transportation could not be more evident. Rutted pavements, delayed projects, and urban congestion are common problems in this state. Federal transportation dollars, though adequate in past decades, no longer meet all the basic needs of the state. Like education, transportation is a basic government service and one that affects the daily lives of all citizens. Other states are enacting their second and third tier of non- federal financing mechanisms. It is time for Alaska to enact its first. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor