Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2006-01-13 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1893 SB 231 SENATE BILL NO. 231 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 11: Dear President Stevens: The capital budget bill delivered today contains my proposal for the 2007 fiscal year. Overall, the capital budget totals $1.7 billion of which $1.1 billion will be supported by federal funds. Of this, $873 million in federal transportation funds are proposed for road, highway, ferry, and airport 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1894 projects throughout Alaska. Another $95 million is proposed for a variety of University of Alaska projects, including $57 million to complete the Integrated Science Facility in Anchorage. A major source of the funding for the University's projects is proceeds from refinancing bonds issued by the Northern Tobacco Securitization Corporation. Developing Alaska's natural resources continues to be my administration's major priority. This includes getting Alaska's transportation infrastructure ready for gas pipeline construction, doing further geologic work, and providing access to resources around the state through the "Roads to Resources" program. The Fiscal Year 2007 capital budget also includes $132 million in state funds for a major transportation initiative, which includes Juneau Access funding of $45 million and $50 million to extend the Alaska Railroad from Delta to the Canadian border. In other legislation I will be proposing that $86 million of the current year's surplus also be used for transportation projects that meet local community transportation priorities, as well as $43 million to meet deferred maintenance needs of state facilities and programs. I look forward to working closely with this Legislature to jointly craft a capital budget that provides Alaska residents essential state services and creates good jobs for hard working Alaskans. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor