1995-03-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 0698
SB 136                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 136 BY THE SENATE 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."                          

1995-03-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 0699
SB 136                                                                       
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional             
Affairs, State Affairs and Finance Committees.                                 
                                                                               
Governor's transmittal letter dated March 20:                                  
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
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.                   
                                                                               
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.                                                                    

1995-03-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 0700
SB 136                                                                       
I am also transmitting to you the Alaska Court Systems three top               
priorities for your review.                                                    
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Tony Knowles                                                             
						Governor