2019-02-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 0271
SB 19                                                                                                                         
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 19 BY THE                                                                                
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE                                                                                        
GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act making appropriations, including capital                                                                      
          appropriations, supplemental appropriations,                                                                          
          reappropriations, and other appropriations; making                                                                    
          appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for                                                                 
          an effective date."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 12:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Giessel:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, and in accordance with Alaska Statute 37.07.070(2), I                                                             
am transmitting a sponsor substitute for SB 19: Approp: Capital                                                                 
                                       st                                                                                       
Budget for consideration by the 31 Alaska State Legislature.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                

2019-02-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 0272
This budget funds village safe water, required state match for federal                                                          
highway dollars, and needed deferred maintenance for public facilities                                                          
and the Alaska Court system. These are investments necessary to                                                                 
protect Alaska’s assets and basic public safety and infrastructure                                                              
needs.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Past capital budgets have resulted in growth in infrastructure that                                                             
create ongoing operating obligations for the state. In evaluating what                                                          
projects to move forward, care was taken to ensure that project                                                                 
proposals included a path to self-sufficiency. Development of the                                                               
South Denali Visitor’s Center will not only provide a steady funding                                                            
stream for the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, but will                                                               
provide new opportunity for the tourism industry and increase access                                                            
to one of Alaska’s most magnificent landmarks.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The Governor’s proposed amended capital budget includes $143.4                                                                  
million in general funds and leverages over $1 billion in federal                                                               
dollars. My administration and I look forward to working with the                                                               
Legislature to pass a sustainable capital budget for FY 2020.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Michael J. Dunleavy                                                                                                             
Governor