The Alaska Senate today passed a capital budget for Fiscal Year 2020. The $174 million spending in Senate Bill 19 will be matched by over $1 billion in federal funds for roads, highways, airports, and clean water for villages.
Key items in the capital budget include:
- $71 million for statewide deferred maintenance
- $25 million in receipt authority for the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation to allow the corporation to accept private funds to finish the federal permitting process
- $16.5 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System for ferry vessel overhaul
- $12 million to access $52 million in federal funds for village safe water projects
- $2.5 million to Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources to connect North Slope communities to resources
- $2 million in federal receipt authority for the Department of Natural Resources to address spruce beetle infestation
- $60,000 to access $6 million in federal funding for community block grants
“This budget prioritizes the public health and safety of Alaskans,” said Sen. Natasha von Imhof, R-Anchorage, co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “This capital budget maximizes federal matching funds to boost investment in Alaska. Capital projects attract outside investment, provide jobs and ensure continued freedom of movement – one of our most cherished liberties. This capital budget gets the job done.”
SB 19 now goes to the Alaska House of Representatives for consideration. Today is the 113th day of the 121-day session.