KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Several large projects were funded in the state capital budget passed by the legislature over the weekend. Representative Alan Austerman, reached in Juneau yesterday, said energy, airport and dock projects were funded around his district.
— (Austerman 1 29 sec "Well, KEA got almost … out there by Providence.")
One of the items that didn’t make it out of the State Senate before the State House adjourned over the weekend was an extended or renewed Coastal Zone Management Plan. As a result, it will expire at the end of June. Austerman said the result will be that Alaska will not have a seat at the table when coastal development issues come before regulators. He likened it to Alaska giving up any say in federal subsistence issues, but doesn’t think people in Kodiak will immediately feel the effects of the program ending:
— (Austerman 2 43 sec "I don’t expect them to see … could become a problem.")
He said he was optimistic that the relationship between the House and the Senate will be patched up by the time the legislative session begins next January:
— (Austerman 3 28 sec "Well, they’re a little bit … problems or hiccups.")
Austerman said he will be home next week, after a couple ferry rides and a relaxing drive back from Juneau.
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