2010-01-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 1253
The proposed capital budget will fuel Alaska's economy and put                                                                  
Alaskans to work. The budget includes $85.4 million to leverage over                                                            
$700 million in federal and other funds. The budget also includes a                                                             
request for $100 million for the first year of a five-year deferred                                                             
maintenance plan to fix the buildings and infrastructure we already                                                             
have and maintain what we can, take care of the State of Alaska's                                                               
assets, and keep Alaska's contractors employed. Energy and gas line                                                             
development, including in-state gas, are key elements of the proposed                                                           
capital budget.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
My proposed capital budget recognizes that responsible resource                                                                 
development has allowed Alaska the opportunity to prosper and grow,                                                             
and remains the foundation for our future prosperity. We must                                                                   
leverage our funds to fight for safe, sound development, and to                                                                 
promote private-sector investment and job creation. The capital budget                                                          
represents a significant investment in Alaska's infrastructure,                                                                 
including surface transportation, airport improvements, water and                                                               
wastewater projects, schools, and State facilities maintenance.                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
I have met with numerous Alaskans, including community and                                                                      
business leaders, and legislators regarding funding requests for many                                                           
worthy projects in our State. As you know, I received far more                                                                  
requests than I could possibly propose in the budget submitted today. I                                                         
look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the capital                                                            
budget for the upcoming fiscal year.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Sean Parnell                                                                                                                    
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 231                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 231 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act making appropriations for the operating and                                                                   
          capital expenses of the state's integrated                                                                            
          comprehensive mental health program; and providing                                                                    
          for an effective date."                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.