(JUNEAU) - Today Sen. Charlie Huggins (R- Rural Mat-Su/Chugiak) and Sen. Lyda Green (R – Wasilla) made an announcement that will make the students, parents and faculty at Susitna Valley High School very happy.

The Senators got $3.85 million for roof repairs included in the supplemental appropriations bill. That means repairs to the damaged roof can get underway as early as May of this year.

The funding was approved by the Senate Finance Committee, which is co-chaired by Sen. Green. The school is part of Sen. Huggins district and was one of his top priorities this session.

"I would like to thank everyone that helped us speed up funding for the roof work. The administration, the entire Mat-Su delegation and members of the Senate Finance Committee all worked together to get this problem solved," said Sen. Green.

"Su-Valley High is more than just a place where our children attend class, it’s part of the fabric of the community. That’s why I’m proud to say we should see repair crews at the school in the weeks ahead so everyone will no longer have to worry about the safety of our children," said Sen. Huggins.

The roof repair money was originally part of the regular capital budget. If it stayed there, repairs would have been delayed until the second quarter of 2007.

Last year, an engineering study found the roof could collapse under a heavy snow load. To keep the school open, the snow had to be removed periodically or the school would have to be closed.

The supplemental budget still has to be approved by the legislature and Gov. Murkowski. It is expected to go to the Senate floor for a vote as early as next week.

An additional $1.6 million will still be needed to fully fund the repairs. Mat-Su Borough officials say they will examine all possible funding sources.

# # #