Session: State Capitol, Room 417 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2487 Toll Free: (800) 865-2487 Fax: (907) 465-4956 Interim: 112 Mill Bay Road Kodiak, AK 99615 Phone: (907) 486-8872 Fax: (907) 486-5264 (at LIO)

Legislature Fights for Alaska's Fishing Industry
Austerman's Seat on Finance Proves to be the Winning Run

(JUNEAU) - Senator Alan Austerman (R-Kodiak/Southeast Islands) was reflecting this morning about the results of this year's legislative session. He attributes the success this session to his seat on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. More than $15 million dollars worth of capital and bonding dollars are headed to the Southeast Islands.

Under HB 234, $1.45 million was approved for Pelican's Boat Harbor. This was a high priority of Senator Austerman as their boat harbor was in terrible condition. "Pelican's economy has been hurt in recent years by the changing dynamics of the fishing industry. If any progress was going to be made to turn Pelican's economy around, then major improvements were needed to have a safe and functional boat harbor," said Austerman. Also included in this bonding package was the Angoon Elementary School major maintenance at over $2 million and $35,000 for a Skagway major maintenance project.

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.

In SB 29, the capital budget, Senator Austerman used his leverage to secure $265,000 for 2 projects in Angoon. The City of Haines will receive $200,000 for the Lutak Dock Repair and $50,000 for the Southeast State Fair Improvements. Realizing that $32,500 wasn't going to be enough money for the Yakutat teacher housing construction, Austerman secured an additional $32,500, bring their total to $65,000 for that project.

Quite a few DOT projects were funded as well, including $1 million for airport lighting in Hoonah, $2.1 million for Klawock's airport terminal building and parking lot, and $1 million for the Metlakatla seaplane float terminal, among many others.

In the operating budget, Austerman tracked items of importance to his constituents including adequately funding public safety, public health, and money for community jails. He is especially pleased with the additional money being channeled into education including an increase in the foundation formula for all District 5 schools.

(Note: See attached complete capital projects list for District 5)

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Attachments:

• District 5 - Southeast Islands Projects
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 2 page(s) - 61 K
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 74 K

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