(JUNEAU) - Representative Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) brought some needed state dollars back to District 10 this session. "There were several projects that I felt were important, not only in my District, but for Fairbanks in general. Representative Jim Holm and I worked with Senator Gary Wilken and Representative Kevin Meyer Co-Chair's of the Finance committees to stress the importance of projects that improve the quality of our Community," Representative Ramras said.

District 10 residents will see improvements to the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area with $50,000 provided in the budget. The money will be used to clean up and make plans for the family oriented recreation area near the Tanana River.

This past summer the Borough began work on Graehl Park, with improvements to both the boat ramp and the surrounding park area. By appropriating $25,000 the project can be completed with the purchase of playground equipment and picnic tables. Also downtown Fairbanks parks will be improved this summer with $50,000 in funding for Golden Heart Park and the Alaska Lend-Lease Memorial will receive $25,000 to install the statue and finish the surrounding area.

To help improve the quality of life in Fairbanks, Representative Ramras asked for and received $50,000 for the Fairbanks Food Bank, an additional $50,000 towards a new ambulance for the Fairbanks Fire Department, and $10,000 to the Interior Baseball League to assist them while the fields are torn up during construction of the new Fish Hatchery.

Representative Ramras also saw to an appropriation of $100,000 to Fairbanks for the development of a Meth Watch program to benefit communities across the State of Alaska.

Last year the legislature helped the Armed Services YMCA with the purchase of a van that provides transportation for Fort Wainwright soldiers and their families. That service will continue this year with $20,000 in state funding.

By working with Interior Delegation funding for several projects that are important to the overall Fairbanks area was secured. While the actual projects may be located in specific districts the services provided helps everyone in the community. Representative Holm and I provided funding to move the J.P. Jones Center forward with $150,000 of help from each district. The Presbyterian Hospitality House, which helps rural residents adapt when they move to Fairbanks, received $20,000. Camp Bingle, which offers camping opportunities for children and their parents received $50,000.

Representative Ramras added, "All of these projects are important to Fairbanks, and we are fortunate to have a strong and unified Interior Delegation, which is able to assure funding for those projects that residents of Fairbanks consider important."

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