Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2016-01-19 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2016-01-19 House Journal Page 1448 HB 255 HOUSE BILL NO. 255 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15, 2016, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State's capital budget for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY 2017). The proposed capital budget totals $1.3 billion, of which $957 million is federal funds, $195 million is unrestricted general funds, and $111 million is other funds. The budget provides minimum capital funding for housing programs, limited energy and school maintenance and construction projects, and matching funds for transportation, water, and sewer. 2016-01-19 House Journal Page 1449 The largest component of the capital budget is the State's transportation program, totaling $68.9 million in State funds and $860 million in matching federal funds. The second largest is minimum maintenance projects to address the life, health, and safety needs of State agencies and school districts, and the required maintenance for annual certification for the Alaska Marine Highway System vessels. Three priority school construction projects are included: the highest priority school (Kachemak Selo), remaining funding required for the Kivalina school, and a school kitchen facility for the Bethel school damaged in a recent fire. The capital budget also proposes $5 million for criminal justice reform initiatives, which will strengthen public safety protections and reduce corrections spending, and $1 million for the Bethel Scout Battalion, which will provide support to local communities facing natural and manmade disasters. My Administration looks forward to working with the Legislature to finalize a capital budget at a sustainable level and is interested in collectively looking at a disciplined approach to using General Obligation Bonds for existing capital requirements. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor"