News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Legislature Asks Federal Government to Continue Federal Transportation Program

For Immediate Release: February 12, 1998 Contact: Senator Jerry Ward at (907) 465-4940.

Juneau – The Legislature Thursday passed a resolution asking the federal government to renew and modify the federal transportation program which shares gasoline tax revenues with states. Since 1991, Alaska has received more than a billion dollars from this program for state transportation projects.

Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act of 1991, known as ISTEA expired September 30, 1997, but was extended. The previous version of ISTEA came with many strings attached. The Alaskan Legislature has asked its congressional delegation to change the program by granting more flexibility to states based on their unique and individual needs.

"By allowing for more flexibility, local governments can better apply innovative transportation solutions for their individual problems," Ward said. "There is no need to build a road to the Nome airport that would meet the same standards as a busy thoroughfare in New York. We hope the federal government will recognize the unique geography, climate and needs of the State of Alaska."

SJR 15 also removes some of the overbearing regulations imposed on states that slow the much needed construction of bridges, ferries, roads, terminals, airports and other public structures which are the lifeline to the Alaskan economy.

The resolution will now be sent to all three members of Alaska's congressional delegation including Senator Ted Stevens, Senator Frank Murkowski and Congressman Don Young. It will also go to the federal transportation committee chairs and House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott.

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