Dear Neighbor,

Capital Budget Update

The Capital Budget is one of the last items to pass at the end of session. The budget contains all of the funds for construction of roads and buildings and special appropriations for one-time items requested by communities. This year, I focused on projects to improve the quality of life, improve energy availability and major state responsibilities including education and state infrastructure. The budget contains some of these important projects for the Fairbanks. The state received thousands of requests that total several billion dollars to 432 communities. Though they are all important to the someone, the Senate had to do a good job of cutting out all but the essential priorities.

Here is a list of some projects that made it into the budget:

· Barnette Magnet School Renovation $9.5 million

· GVEA Eva Creek Wind Farm $10 million

· Noel Wien Library Upgrades $6 million

· Major Funding for FMATS Area Projects $10 million

· Carlson Center Improvements $3.5 million

· FNSB Natural Gas Distribution Study $500,000

· Fairbanks Community Food Bank Heating Replacement $175,000

· North Star Council of Aging Senior Center $150,000

· Major Classroom Technology Upgrades $100,000

· Joel’s Place Heating Upgrades $38,000

Along with these projects the University received some important funding including the Georgeson Botanical Garden Research Program and major maintenance. We have 3 days left and there will be additional projects added to the budget these final days. I will keep you updated as these changes occur.

Time is Counting Down

Since days are starting to blur together. The schedule looks like it will only become more hectic until the end. I would like to encourage you to call me personally if have additional questions or concerns. Things are rapidly changing from hour to hour so if you make a quick phone call to my office I’ll be able to give you an update response as soon as I return to my desk. Please feel free to call me at 907-456-7423.

This Just In…

As late as a half hour ago, legislative leaders in both houses said that we may NOT be done as originally planned on Sunday at midnight. It just goes to show that you never know what’s going to happen in the Capitol. I hope cooler heads will prevail.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative