(KODIAK) - On Thursday - July 22, 2004 Governor Frank Murkowski signed Senate Bill 65 while on a flight back to Juneau. Representative Dan Ogg (R - Kodiak) was briefed on the specifics of the governor's decision this morning.

A key provision in SB 65 authorizes the issuance of certificates of participation in the amount of $2 million for the construction. The City of Kodiak will contribute a matching share of at least $1.5 million for the completion of this project.

"I believe the governor has made a prudent choice in signing this bill," said Ogg. "I stand behind his decision to not incur additional debt that could affect Alaska's bond rating."

Rep. Ogg and Senator Gary Stevens fought extremely hard to ensure this bill included the language for the new jail. They worked in concert with Kodiak's city manager Linda Freed, the City Council, and the sponsor of this bill - Senator Lyda Green. Along with the governor, Rep. Ogg' message throughout the legislative process was consistent to the Office of Management and Budget and to the departments of Revenue, Corrections and Public Safety as to the significant advantages this new community jail brought to Kodiak and the State of Alaska.

The final deal calls for a new 22-bed jail facility to be built in Kodiak. In the short term, the City of Kodiak will continue on with their feasibility study that should lead to a final site selection. Construction could begin as early as 2006 if all of the funding instruments are in place.

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