Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2010-02-03 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2010-02-03 Senate Journal Page 1399 SB 253 SENATE BILL NO. 253 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making capital appropriations for deferred maintenance projects, equipment replacement, and emergency repairs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2010-02-03 Senate Journal Page 1400 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 1: Dear President Stevens, Under the authority of Art. III, Sec. 18, of the Alaska constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for deferred maintenance for Fiscal Year 2010. I am committed to creating construction jobs across the state by addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance projects for State- owned facilities. In November 2009, I announced my proposal to include $100 million for deferred maintenance projects in the capital budget each year for the next five years. Deferred maintenance funding is necessary to preserve the State's significant investment in infrastructure and will provide Alaskan contractors and laborers with jobs they can depend on, each and every year. This request will accelerate the availability of these funds for the upcoming construction season. I ask that you approve these funds by March 1, 2010 so that State agencies can start the process to secure contractors to do the work now, rather than waiting until the beginning of the next fiscal year on July 1, 2010. Given the loss of jobs in Alaska's construction sector in 2009, it is important to put Alaskans to work on these projects as soon as possible. The legislation has an immediate effective date. The State and the University of Alaska have over 2,300 buildings statewide and a $1.9 billion backlog of deferred maintenance projects. The deferred maintenance budget will fund repair and renovation projects throughout Alaska such as electrical and heating upgrades, replacing leaking roofs and adding insulation, replacing windows and siding for improved heat loss control, and replacing elevators, plumbing, fire alarm, and electrical systems. The deferred maintenance plan also applies to all modes of transportation - highway, aviation, and the marine highway - including road surface repairs, guardrails, culverts, bridges, harbors, terminals, and vessels. 2010-02-03 Senate Journal Page 1401 Thank you for your consideration of this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor