Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-06-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-06-22 Senate Journal Page 3847 SB 1004 SENATE BILL NO. 1004 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of design, construction, and major maintenance of facilities at the University of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2004-06-22 Senate Journal Page 3848 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated June 21: Dear President Therriault: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance capital improvement projects for the University of Alaska. Great progress has been made with our university system. Student enrollment is at the highest level ever. (Increase of 14.5 percent system wide between 2000 and 2004). Research activities are also at an all-time high, and have increased by more than 75 percent since fiscal year 1999. These successes are based on the state's on-going commitment to the university. This bill builds upon, and reinforces this commitment, while realizing the harsh reality of the limits forced on the state by the present fiscal situation. The projects in this bill address a number of the University of Alaska's critical infrastructure needs. The projects include improvements to the integrated science facility at the University of Alaska, Anchorage to provide crucial science classroom and instructional labs. Also included are projects that address essential life safety, renovation, and equipment priorities. These include Americans with Disabilities Act and life safety issues, as well as crucial equipment and space renovation needs. Basic information technology upgrades and replacement of academic and instructional equipment is included. Designed and construction, such as for the Biological and Computational Science Facility on the Fairbanks campus, will support the continued successful expansion of the state and university's research and development agenda. New construction, such as for the Biological and Computational Facility on the Fairbanks campus, will support the continued successful expansion of the state and university's research and development agenda. 2004-06-22 Senate Journal Page 3849 The bill requires that sections one through seven of the bill only take effect once the Lieutenant Governor has certified a long-range fiscal plan has been adopted as specified in the bill and the bonds have been approved by the voters. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this legislation. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor