By MAYOR DAVE BRONSON
Alaska’s economy needs a reboot. Alaska and Anchorage, as the economic hub of the state, have struggled to regain the jobs lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While states like Texas, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona have regained the jobs they lost during the pandemic, we remain far behind the pack.
The devastating lockdowns imposed by the Assembly and my predecessors did not help small businesses overcome this once-in-a-generation pandemic. The anti-development policies coming out of D.C. via the President and his allies are not boosting oil production or creating new jobs. Policies that make it more difficult to start and run a business in Anchorage aren’t what we need.
Thankfully there are solutions on the table to change this narrative. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proposed a plan that I support, to responsibly invest in our state at a moment when we need it the most. The governor’s general obligation bond bill – known as GO bonds – represents a chance to complete critical projects and create high-paying jobs.
The proposal totals about $325 million that would go towards roads, ports, airports, harbors, and other key infrastructure projects across our state. As a supporter of small government and fiscal restraint, I normally wouldn’t be in favor of such a proposal.
However, a few key factors have led me to support the governor’s plan. First and foremost, the state can afford the bonds for these projects thanks to strong investment returns that exceed the cost of paying down its debt. Further, due to rising oil prices and revenues, the state has its first deficit-free budget in a decade.
Additionally, since this proposal entails the issuance of general obligation bonds, both the legislature and people of Alaska must approve it prior to taking effect. I’m a strong believer in letting voters have a say in important matters like these.
Though the bond proposal has a statewide reach, it contains two projects of supreme importance to the nearly three-hundred thousand Anchorage residents I represent: the Port of Alaska and Bragaw road extension.
I thank the governor for funding both projects in this bill.
Securing state funding, specifically $600 million, to construct a seismically resilient cargo dock at the port is my top priority. The port serves ninety percent of the state, so it’s importance cannot be understated. Likewise, the Bragaw extension project is crucial for the health and safety of Anchorage residents. Studies have shown that extending Bragaw would enable first responders to reach our emergency rooms 5-7 minutes faster than current road conditions allow.
Rebuilding the port will provide food security for Alaska, while extending Bragaw would enhance public safety operations in our city. Both projects would create high-paying, family supporting jobs. These are the type of jobs we need to rebuild our economy and get Alaska back on the right track.
Some will say that we should rely on the federal government to solve all our infrastructure needs and problems. When did it become the Alaskan way to seek a handout, rather than striving on our own to accomplish what we believe in? The people of Anchorage and our state know what projects are truly needed, not some bureaucrat in Washington, D.C. We must not place our future in the hands of those who live thousands of miles away.
We are at a critical moment in our state’s history. Are we still a people that believes in building great projects, like generations before? Do we still have it in us to unite for a common cause that transcends politics?
It is my belief that we are such a people and can create a bright future together for our children and grandchildren. The governor’s bond bill is a great first step toward jumpstarting our economy and building our state.
I hope legislators can put partisanship aside and give Alaskans a chance to vote on this proposal. The people should have the right to vote on the economic future of our state.
Dave Bronson is mayor of Anchorage.
