(Juneau) - The Alaska House of Representatives amended the Fast Track supplemental appropriations bill last night to include funding for the Power Cost Equalization program (PCE).

SB 232, the Fast Track bill was amended to include $3.3 million for PCE, which brings funding to over $6 million above FY 05 funding. PCE is a state program designed to help rural Alaskan communities by reducing the cost of electricity for residential customers and community facilities.

"I'm very happy we've brought PCE funding back up to last year's levels because rural communities depend on it in times of high fuel prices. Hopefully, we can maintain the funding levels in the future, and keep the momentum up. I'm very glad the majority supported this funding," said Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines).

Representative Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Kodiak) said, "I am an advocate, with many others in the House, of fully funding PCE. I was really pleased to see the joint effort put forth to amend the bill to include the $3 million. It wouldn't have passed if it had been one party or the other; the minority and majority had to work together."

Representative Richard Foster (D-Nome) was pleased with the amendment. "I think the House Republican Majority has been very sympathetic toward the plight of rural areas. Funding the PCE is the first step in addressing this very real problem. I want to thank the leadership of the House for giving us the help we need."

SB 232 now moves to the Senate for concurrence.

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