KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Alaska State Legislature is in the last week of the session, and there are many issues still unresolved that would affect Kodiak directly – namely education funding, the capital budget and a proposed general obligation bond.
Among other items included in the Senate’s Capital Budget released over the weekend, there is about $2.5 million allotted for two area hatcheries, Kitoi Bay and Pillar Creek.
Phase 2 of the Kodiak Island Borough landfill expansion would get just over $3-million, while the City of Kodiak would receive $1.3-million for phase five of the Aleutian Homes Water and Sewer replacement project.
Under deferred maintenance, Kodiak’s Alaska National Guard armory would get $20,000 while state parks would receive $135,000. Continuing improvements to Kodiak State Airport would get $26-million.
Meanwhile, education funding, according to Senator Gary Stevens, is in the hands of the House. The City of Kodiak is hoping its major capital request – money for replacement of Pier 3, the cargo dock – is funded. Mayor Pat Branson, who has recently been in contact with Governor Parnell, says she has been tracking the project and various funding sources in the legislature.
The General Obligation Bond for ports and harbor projects around the state was generated by the House of Representatives. The Senate needs to concur, and if the governor signs it, the bond will be put before voters statewide later this year. It includes projects from around the state, though the largest are in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough.
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn Sunday, though it is increasingly likely that the session would be extended or that a special session is called.
