KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
house_dist_35_capital_budget 369.83 Kb
With a fast-paced legislative session wrapping up on time Sunday, Representative Alan Austerman says Kodiak fared very well in this year’s capital budget, despite much lower spending than last year. Austerman said in his newsletter that state capital spending this year will be at least $737-million less.
Some of the highlights Austerman pointed out is $3.3-million for the Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association, $4.5-million for a leachate treatment plant at the expanded Kodiak landfill, and the same amount for airport improvements in Old Harbor. The Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport will receive $27.6-million in federal pass-through funds for continued improvements.
The governor had requested $900,000 for maintenance at the Kodiak Launch Complex, but the legislature slashed that by more than half to $400,000, while another $165,000 Parnell requested for unspecified modernization was zeroed out completely.
Port Lions and Ouzinkie both received funds for dock projects, which Austerman said will allow them to finish the improvements. Also in Ouzinkie, $1.8-million has been provided for repair and replacement for the ailing Mahoona Lake Dam. The Akhiok water system also got nearly a million dollars for critical repairs to its water and sewer system.
In all, Austerman’s House District 35 will receive $56.7-million in capital improvements in this year’s budget. More than half – $30.6-million – is federal funds, with $26-million coming from state funds.
