Sponsor Statement for SB 34

DOT Maintenance Facility at Soldotna

Senate Bill 34 provides authorization to the Department of Administration to enter into a lease-purchase agreement with the City of Soldotna, so that the City can finance and build a Department of Transportation Maintenance Facility in Soldotna, Alaska.

The current facility, on about a 7 acre site, is over 30 years old and is located along the Kenai River. The facility, on the main thorough-fare in the center of Soldotna, is an eyesore to the entire community.

The new facility will be constructed on a site which is currently held by the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB). The KPB "owes" the State the acreage; thus there is no land acquisition cost to this project. The KPB will deed the land to whatever entity is needed to comply with the bonding requirements.

There is considerable public interest over the siting of the maintenance facility along the Kenai River. Heightened public awareness of habitat protection and water quality for the river has focused on this station.

This project has the support of the Department and appears to be the most viable option at this time.