1993-01-15                     House Journal                      Page 0072
HB 60                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 60 by the House Rules Committee by request of                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                        
                                                                               
"An Act making appropriations for capital projects; and providing             
for an effective date."                                                        
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 15, 1993, appears             
below:                                                                         
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Barnes:                                                          
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am     
transmitting legislation making appropriations for capital projects for        
fiscal year 1994.                                                              
                                                                               
As with my proposed operating budget, the capital budget focuses on            
government meeting its basic and traditional responsibilities to its           
citizens.  To this end, my capital budget provides over $42 million for        
water and sewer projects throughout Alaska.  We must continue to               
build upon this Administration's unprecedented financial commitment            
to protecting the health of every Alaskan.                                     
                                                                               
Funding for education facilities is also one of the state's basic              
responsibilities to its citizens.  My capital budget provides over $44         
million for educational facilities, and includes $19 million for the           

1993-01-15                     House Journal                      Page 0073
HB 60                                                                        
University of Alaska and another $25 million in funding for the top            
priorities in our K-12 system.                                                 
                                                                               
Another area of emphasis is protecting our state's assets.  For too long       
our buildings, roads and facilities have been left without repair.  It is      
time we step up to our responsibilities and provide some of the                
funding necessary to get this job done.  I will be introducing other           
legislation that will further meet these responsibilities by providing         
additional funding for the University of Alaska and our K-12 education         
system.                                                                        
                                                                               
The demands of our criminal justice system can also be seen in the             
capital budget.  Our correctional system facilities can no longer              
physically absorb the burdens of an increasing prison population and           
this budget includes $10 million for the correctional system.                  
Completion of the Anchorage Court House will also be possible with             
the $21.5 million proposed.                                                    
                                                                               
The capital needs of the state far exceed the level of funding I have          
proposed.  I am hopeful this legislation provides a road map of how            
we can continue to make progress in meeting our responsibilities to the        
state and Alaskans.  Toward this end, I look forward to working with           
the legislature.                                                               
                                                                               
Additional information pertaining to the appropriations requested in           
this bill are being furnished to the legislature by my Office of               
Management and Budget.                                                         
                                                                               
           Sincerely,                                                          
           /s/                                                                 
           Walter J. Hickel                                                    
           Governor"