Sen. Alan Austerman State Capitol, Room 417 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2487 Fax: (907) 465-4956

Rep. Gary Stevens State Capitol, Room 428 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-4925 Fax: (907) 465-3517

Austerman and Stevens Join Efforts
Capital, Operating, and Bond Package Benefit Kodiak

(JUNEAU)-Senator Alan Austerman (R-Kodiak/Southeast Islands) and Representative Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) are relishing the results of the first session of the 22nd Alaska State Legislature.

More than $7 million dollars worth of capital dollars are headed to Kodiak. Some of these projects include the St. Herman Harbor Loading Dock, $4.5 million was authorized for the Kodiak Launch Complex, $525,00 for the Larsen Bay Hydro project, and monies for repairs to the Ouzinkie Sewer and Water system.

$200,000 has been earmarked for the Kodiak Island Borough to begin a feasibility study on a fisheries research building to complete the research complex on Near Island. "Continuing research is vital to the survival of our fishing industry in this state," said Austerman.

Department of Transportation needs have also been a priority with the Kodiak legislative delegation. There is $439,500 in the Capital Budget for the continuing Pasagshak Road Realignment and Improvement. Statewide there is an appropriation for $5 million for the refurbishment work on the vehicle elevator for the state ferry Tustumena.

In the operating budget, both Senator Austerman and Representative Stevens tracked items of importance to their constituents including adequately funding for the Village Public Safety Officer program, monies for community jails, and $56,000 for the Brother Francis Shelter.

Austerman and Stevens are especially pleased with the additional money being channeled into education for Kodiak. "There is an additional $426,542 for the Kodiak Island Borough School District in the foundation formula and $124,471 for school facilities upgrade and repair," Representative Stevens explained. "The Learning Opportunity Grants were also doubled this year bringing an additional $132,000 to the school district, and pupil transportation was fully funded at over $50 million statewide."

The University of Alaska received a $16 million budget request and our local delegation was successful in securing $400,000 for the Kodiak College classroom rehabilitation for vocational/technical training, an additional $50,000 was added for the college parking lot expansion.

Senator Austerman also added an amendment to the tobacco bond legislation giving more money for tobacco education and cessation programs. The money for the bonds comes from the lawsuit settlement with the tobacco companies.

Senator Austerman and Representative Stevens will continue to be involved with the Fish Caucus, an educational forum on fisheries issues, and the Fiscal Policy Caucus, which will continue to meet during the interim in an attempt to push for long-range plan.

"By working together on both the Senate and House side, we have been able to accomplish more for Kodiak than in recent memory," Austerman said. "Gary's paying great dividends to Kodiak with his leadership. His efforts on education funding were crucial to the legislature's approval of additional money in the foundation formula."

"After three terms in the House, and now in the Senate, Alan has proven to be a highly effective legislator for Kodiak Island," Representative Stevens added. "This session, the Senator's insights have been invaluable. His office and my staff have worked together on numerous projects which have benefited the community as a whole and I look forward to working together on issues affecting our Island home in the future."

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