(Juneau) - Yesterday's decision by Mat-Su voters to approve a $39.7 million school construction and renovation bond package was greeted with applause by all six members of the Mat-Su valley's legislative delegation.

The unofficial results show 58 percent of voters approved the bonds. That sent a clear message to the Alaska Legislature and the entire state that Mat-Su residents appreciate the role good school facilities have in educating their children and a willingness to invest their hard earned dollars for them.

Sen. Lyda Green (R - Wasilla) says passage of the bonds makes it easier to secure more state funding in the future. "The commitment my friends and neighbors showed for our educational system tells my colleagues in the legislature that we will pay our fair share for building and maintaining good, sound school facilities."

The Mat-Su valley is the fastest growing region in the state and school enrollment is skyrocketing.

"Schools are one of the centerpieces to most successful communities. It is important for our future generations that we, as community members, invest in our student's education. We realize that property owners are being burdened with rapidly rising tax bills, and we appreciate their sacrifice to support education," said Sen. Charlie Huggins (R - Rural Mat-Su/Chugiak).

"Considering the condition of the schools in the Mat-Su valley, I think many voters decided to support these needed improvements to schools throughout the area. It has been a team effort for the valley legislators to give valley residents the opportunity to vote on whether or not they want to bond for the upgrades," said Rep. Mark Neuman (R-Big Lake/Mat-Su).

The bonds will fund the construction of two new elementary schools in the Knik-Goose Bay and south Palmer areas and pay for renovations at Wasilla High and Middle Schools. Again, the state will reimburse up to 70 percent of the bonds, minimizing the impact on borough property taxes.

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