1995-03-20                     House Journal                      Page 0812
HB 268                                                                       
HOUSE BILL NO. 268 by the House Rules Committee by request of                  
the Governor, entitled:                                                        
                                                                               
"An Act making appropriations for capital project matching grant              
funds and to capitalize funds; making, amending, and repealing                 
capital appropriations; and providing for an effective date."                  
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated March 20, 1995, appears               
below:                                                                         
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Phillips:                                                        
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am     
pleased to transmit my proposed capital budget for FY96.  I feel that          
we have succeeded in exercising budget discipline by keeping the               
administrations budget at $135 million while still addressing the basic        
needs of Alaskans.  Maintenance of existing roads, schools and                 
facilities and construction of such essentials as water, sewer, and            
transportation projects are some of my administrations highest                 
priorities.                                                                    
                                                                               
                                                                               
This bill provides $57.9 million in state and federal funds for village        
and municipal water and sewer projects.  This should go a long way             
to deal with the health hazards that exist in many areas of our state.         
$383.9 million in state and federal funds is included for roads, airports,     
facilities maintenance and other transportation related projects.              
                                                                               
                                                                               
There were no funds in the FY95 budget for school construction or              
maintenance, yet safety hazards and neglect of our schools continue.           
This bill includes $13.7 million to repair existing K-12 school facilities     
and $7 million to deal with the immediate maintenance, fire safety and         
code compliance needs on our university campuses.                              

1995-03-20                     House Journal                      Page 0813
HB 268                                                                       
As I stated in my state of the budget address in January, it is time for       
our state government to regain its technological edge.  To attempt to          
get closer to that goal, I have included funds for integrating and             
updating the criminal justice information system and extending our             
statewide communication technology.                                            
                                                                               
In order to maintain stability for local communities and assist them in        
funding their highest priority capital projects, I have included $20           
million for the capital matching grant program.  This program has              
attained a great deal of support for its ability to provide funding for all    
communities throughout Alaska in a manner that addresses their real            
needs.                                                                         
                                                                               
I am also transmitting to you the Alaska Court System's three top              
priorities for your review.                                                    
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/                                                                     
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor"