2012-01-17                     Senate Journal                      Page 1229
My budget proposal for FY 2013 continues our efforts to foster                                                                  
opportunity for job growth and economic opportunity for Alaskans.                                                               
Our budget priorities are established in the State of Alaska's                                                                  
Constitution - resource development, transportation/infrastructure,                                                             
education, and safe homes and communities for Alaskans.                                                                         
                                                                                                                               
The proposed capital budget totals $1.8 billion and includes resource                                                           
development and infrastructure projects throughout Alaska such as                                                               
roads to resources, State and federal highways, airports, the marine                                                            
highway, ports and harbors, and water and sewer projects. The budget                                                            
funds renewable energy and weatherization projects and includes two                                                             
rural school construction projects and 14 school major maintenance                                                              
projects. Year three of the five-year deferred maintenance program to                                                           
take care of State assets is also requested.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                               
Development of our natural resources is key to economic growth and                                                              
opportunities for Alaskans. Our budget invests in access to these                                                               
resources, streamlining permitting, and assessing strategic minerals                                                            
potential throughout the state. Together with investments in                                                                    
transportation infrastructure, this budget positions Alaska for a future                                                        
with more opportunity and more prosperity.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the capital                                                          
budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you for your consideration                                                           
of this bill.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Sean Parnell                                                                                                                    
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 161                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 161 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act making appropriations for the operating and                                                                   
          loan program expenses of state government and for                                                                     
          certain programs, capitalizing funds, amending                                                                        
          appropriations, and making reappropriations; and                                                                      
          providing for an effective date."