2009-02-25                     Senate Journal                      Page 0352
ready and a priority.  Additional authorization is requested in order to                                                        
ensure that Alaska will be able to utilize funding available for airport                                                        
projects that meet the goals of the FAA and the state.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The supplemental bill requests $45.6 million for FAA approved                                                                   
projects, $9.1 million for transit projects, and $302.4 million for                                                             
FHWA projects, including $11.6 million of new regular federal funds.                                                            
A portion of the authorization is requested as contingency to ensure                                                            
Alaska would benefit from redistribution of funds from other states if                                                          
they are unable to meet the timing requirements.  Additionally, $115.7                                                          
million in fund source changes are requested to fund prior                                                                      
authorization for these projects with economic stimulus funds.  This                                                            
will simplify tracking of projects funded through federal economic                                                              
stimulus dollars.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The ARRA requires rigorous tracking and reporting for expenditure of                                                            
stimulus dollars.  We are establishing a new federal fund source code                                                           
for economic stimulus funds.   DOTPF is working closely with their                                                              
funding partners to capture the funds and put Alaskans to work.  This                                                           
is a jobs bill.  We will create jobs and address needed Alaskan                                                                 
transportation infrastructure improvements with these funds.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
This appropriation is the first in a series of requests that will be                                                            
necessary for Alaska to participate in the federal economic stimulus                                                            
package.  I appreciate your consideration of this legislation.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Sarah Palin                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Spreadsheets entitled "Governor's FY2009 Economic Stimulus Bill"                                                                
from the Office of Management and Budget and "Alaska Aviation                                                                   
Stimulus List" from the Department of Transportation and Public                                                                 
Facilities accompanied the governor's transmittal letter and are on file                                                        
in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 124                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 124 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: