Local projects and concerns make up a large part of a state legislator's duties. I wanted to report to you on the status of some local issues:

1. Jade Park/West Dimond Little League Complex: Senator Ben Stevens, Rep. Lesil McGuire, and I successfully requested appropriations of $315,000 in state funding for this project. I was pleased to attend the dedication ceremony on Saturday, June 26th and see the work accomplished at this area park. It's a great addition to the community. Thanks to everyone who made this dream come true!
2. Sand Lake Gravel Pit/Water Issues: The possible development of the Sand Lake Gravel Pit and its impact on water quality has been a top concern in our area. Your legislative delegation has been working on this issue. Currently, MOA/AWWU has a $375,000 grant from the state for a Sand Lake area water extension. We have requested that $65,000 of this amount be reappropriated to the University of Alaska, Anchorage, for a third-party review of the record (including the May 2003 DEC report). This review is on a fast track. Additionally, we are continuing to work with Senator Ted Stevens for federal funding to extend the water mains to this area and have received some $2 million already. The FY 2005 capital budget proposal contains an additional $125,000 in funding that I requested. I continue to review the use of funds by AWWU for watershed and water quality studies.
3. Water/Arsenic Particulate Testing: In 2002, we obtained $55,000 for well water testing and treatment for arsenic in West Anchorage. The MOA, Department of Health & Human Services, awarded a contract to the UAA for this project and the final report is due shortly. The project's final phase involves public education, focusing on methods for on-site remediation.
4. Raspberry Road Trail - Kincaid Elementary School to Cutty Sark Drive: In 2002, the Legislature appropriated $400,000 for the planning and construction of this much-needed trail. I have been working with local residents on this matter. Constituents have been in contact with me regarding drainage concerns in the area of Crawford Street, erosion problems in that same area, stop signs along the trail's path (especially at road intersections), landscaping additions, and other issues.
5. Strawberry Road/Jewel Lake Road Intersection: This year, the MOA requested $1.3 million for signalization work at this important intersection. Even though this project has been funded twice by local bonds, MOA advises that it cannot spend local bond funds on the intersection because it is a state right-of-way. Additionally, unbeknownst to me, the MOA greatly changed the whole project in mid-stream and failed to communicate the change in plans and the new $2.6 million price tag when it requested funding. I am very disappointed in this latest revision and how and why it occurred with little or no community input. I have been working with constituents in the area to force the MOA to address neighborhood concerns. My bottom line is that there needs to be a traffic signal at this intersection and we really don't need a high-speed throughway running through the neighborhood. I anticipate further meetings with Mayor Begich on this matter.

If you wish to contact me, please: write me at: 716 West Fourth Avenue, #200, Anchorage, AK 99501; or call me at 269-0117 (fax is 269-0119); or e-mail me at: Representative_Norman_Rokeberg ''at'' legis.state.ak.us.

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