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The supporting back-up for the FY2011 Capital Budget was sent to the governor today for his review.   As co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee I helped manage the appropriations process and worked with colleagues to construct the Capital Budget.  We approached this year’s budget with three objectives in mind: save before spending, put Alaskans to work, and address our state’s significant infrastructure needs.  Alaskans can be confident that the budget we’ve sent to the Governor is responsible and will improve the quality of life in our state.

The capital budget appropriates $3.08 billion for public safety, transportation, education and economic development projects around the state. It comprises $1.03 billion in federal funds, $1.49 billion in state general funds and $0.56 billion in other state funds.  Over the past several years, the legislature has put a substantial amount of money into savings.  At the end of this session, Alaska will have savings of nearly $12 billion.  This year’s budget is within historical norms and is fitting in size unexpected given the bare bones budget we had last year.  Highlights in the budget include:

•$290 million in airport improvements
•$91 million in village and municipal water and sewer projects
•$60 million for the Alaska Class ferry project
•$50 million in renewable energy grant funding
•$50 million in tourism infrastructure
•$50 million in fire, police and emergency management projects
•$49 million in hydroelectric project planning and construction
•$38 million in maintenance and construction for schools
•$16 million for community library construction

I’m pleased with the legislature’s work and hope these projects will advance economic development in our state.  Here’s a list of projects in Senate District A included in the budget.

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