Capital budget excellent news for area residents

As the hectic final days of the Alaska Legislature's regular session winds down, some of the bigger-ticket items on the legislative agenda are getting attention. Of particular interest to Valley residents is the Senate's version of the capital budget, which was approved Wednesday by unanimous vote of the chamber's 20 members.

That kind of bipartisan support should be a good indication of the budget's merits. Certainly, local folks should find a wide variety of area projects slated for state funding that are to their liking. Even if they're tempted to scratch their heads in wonder at the alleged fiscal conservatives who helped shape the largest capital budget in state history, it will be hard to resist the millions of state and federal dollars that are closer to heading to the Mat-Su.

The biggest item on the local projects list is a planned $93.6 million outlay for the controversial Knik Arm bridge. Other multimillion-dollar price tags have been attached to a Palmer Courthouse expansion, which would include purchase of the former Valley Hospital building. Coupled with the two new judges that are likely to be added to the Palmer staff, this is great news for a local justice system nearly bursting at the seams from overcapacity.

Area roads, themselves rapidly becoming inadequate for the ever-increasing traffic flow, also will benefit from the capital budget approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Among the larger projects planned are $26 million for Trunk Road reconstruction, a $15.3 million upgrade for Point MacKenzie Road, a $12 million upgrade for the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, and a $10.5 million improvement to the Parks Highway.

The Palmer-Wasilla Highway project is part of an ongoing initiative expected to culminate in a five-lane highway with several additional intersections with light signals. Folks who drive this road regularly know how improvements desperately are needed for ease of traveling and personal safety.

In addition to these larger projects, state funds are also planned for a host of smaller road projects around the Valley, as well as for several road service areas in the community. Of special note, $3.4 is earmarked to assist in the extension of Bogard and Seldon roads.

Area schools, senior centers, chambers of commerce and community councils also stand to benefit from the capital budget, with outlays for general maintenance and renovations.

Borough cities did well, too. Money is slated to go to Houston for a fire truck and police cruiser. Palmer's water-main replacement project stands to get a $1 million state boost. And Wasilla will get funding for a sewer extension, sports complex improvements and additional personnel, including a drug enforcement position and a sexual-abuse task force investigator.

Legislators often are an easy target for criticism. The above list is a good reminder that our elected officials in Juneau have kept themselves busy with work that will improve the quality of life for their constituents. For this, they deserve our thanks.