1994-07-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 4825
SB 363                                                                       
Message of June 15 was received, stating:                                      
                                                                               
Dear Mr. President:                                                            
                                                                               
On this date I have signed the following bill and am transmitting the          
engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office              
for permanent filing:                                                          
                                                                               
HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 363                                       
(FIN)                                                                          
"An Act making appropriations for capital project                             
matching grant funds and for capital projects;                                 
making an appropriation for the continuation of                                
federal litigation; and providing for an effective                             
date."                                                                         
                                                                               
		Chapter No. 4, FSSLA 1994                                                    
		Effective Date: 7/1/94                                                       
                                                                               
I am happy to approve funding for many projects which help meet                
some of the basic needs in Alaska's communities.  This capital                 
budget provides over $25 million for water and sewer projects                  
throughout Alaska.  These state appropriations will help bring in              
additional federal funds to assist in rural water and sewer needs.             
We must continue to build upon this Administration's financial                 
commitment to protecting the health of every Alaskan.                          
                                                                               
I am pleased to see the continued support of the Legislature in                
appropriating $20 million for the capital matching grants program,             
one  of  my  administration's  highest  priorities.  In  this  time  of        
                                                                               

1994-07-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 4826
SB 363                                                                       
diminishing revenues, it is important that funds go to each                    
community in the state to meet their highest priorities.  It is the            
communities themselves that are better able to identify their most             
critical needs.                                                                
                                                                               
The capital needs of this state far exceed the level of funding                
contained in this bill.  We will continue to review the deferred               
maintenance needs of state facilities and find ways to maximize the            
funding received in the past.  We are determined to make progress              
towards meeting our responsibilities to the State and Alaskans.                
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Walter J. Hickel                                                         
						Governor