Session: State Capitol, Room 417 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2487 Toll Free: (800) 865-2487 Fax: (907) 465-4956 Interim: 112 Mill Bay Road Kodiak, AK 99615 Phone: (907) 486-8872 Fax: (907) 486-5264 (at LIO)

Special Session Mercifully Ends
Bonding Package To Go Before Voters In November

(JUNEAU)- Senator Alan Austerman (R-Kodiak/SE Islands) is looking forward to a little time off with his family after the 2nd Special Session of the Legislature adjourned. Kodiak fared extremely well in this year's budget despite a looming fiscal gap.

Pending voter approval in November, the Kodiak College will receive $500,000 for classroom renovation and phase 1 of the rehabilitation of the Chiniak Highway will be authorized at $6 million. Other DOT projects include money for the completion of the Selief Lane road project and $5 million for the replacement and installation of new guardrails and warning signs along the entire Kodiak road system.

Towards the end of session, one of the largest battles this year turned out to be with continued funding for the DOT Kalsin Bay Maintenance Station. "Despite extra funding for this department, the commissioner's office continued to shift blame and play out the charade of what DOT stations would be closed down if they didn't get more money," said Austerman. Austerman and Representative Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) fought hard to restore the necessary funding in the operating budget. "Letters and other forms of communications really do make a difference," said Austerman. "I received numerous faxes that the residents of Chiniak wrote to DOT about how vital this road is. They spoke of education, life safety and access to jobs as to why it was important for DOT to abandon its stance in trying to close down this station again.

Austerman and Stevens were also instrumental in assuring that $6 million for the Kodiak Electric Association's Nyman Cogeneration Plant was inserted into House Bill 528, which authorizes reimbursement of costs already incurred for its construction. Austerman appreciates the efforts of Darron Scott, KEA General Manager and the entire KEA Board in working with various legislators to raise their awareness about the need for this reimbursement.

On June 24th, the governor has called for a 3rd special session of the legislature to try and work out the differences in reauthorizing the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

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