All in all, Valley fared better with state funding than in the past

Yes, there were state budget cuts by Gov. Sean Parnell that some folks found confusing or for projects that were needed more than others that were funded. Still, this area received money for construction projects in most cases that will not only improve roads and other infrastructure, but should provide jobs as well.

Two cuts that seem a little dumbfounding, as they are certainly not glamor projects, is not funding sewer and water projects for Palmer and Wasilla.

It’s a little confusing because towns have been warned that they need to do more to update their systems to federal and state standards. Yet they are essentially hamstrung when the governor denies the needed monies. Certainly city officials in both places must be scratching their heads.

These projects, indeed an entire Valley-wide waste disposal system, are necessary because of the growth in both towns, Wasilla especially. But more important for the entire community is the fact that Anchorage officials may one day decide they will no longer accept loads of waste from pumper dumpers coming in from here.

That’s important because the vast majority of residents here don’t live in incorporated areas. That means there is a lot of sewage coming from septic tanks. If Anchorage says no more sewage from the Valley, where will that waste go?

An uneasy question for one of the state’s population centers that still is growing.

One project the governor left whole was money for the Palmer Senior Center.

There are so many problems with that center — multiple floors is foremost, plus ragged carpets and general aging.

Those folks deserve better and have for a long time. And, they didn’t just have their hands out. They worked to raise nearly half of the $11.2 million they think will complete the job. So, good for the legislature and for Parnell to see that project go forward.

Commuters will probably like the improvements planned for part of the Glenn Highway, including lighting presumably to make it easier to spot moose rambling in from the flats.

A portion of the request for a rail spur to Port MacKenzie was trimmed, but a spokesman for the governor says there is enough left to complete Phase I of the project.

Whatever the funding result for your favorite project, the Valley certainly ended up much better off than last year when the cupboard was essentially left bare.