Lawmakers need to wake up to dam costs

To the editor:

I was disappointed to see the recent news about Governor Parnell asking for more state money for the Susitna dam. This project has seen its share of problems this year while already receiving generous funding — $173 million so far. The dam represents an economic risk for Alaskans at a time of dwindling state funds.

More reliable energy projects, such as AHFC’s Home Energy Rebate and Weatherization programs, have consistently provided proven savings to Alaskans in both energy use and cost, yet the governor has cut the budget for these programs in half two years in a row! Why? These programs bring immediate savings, not projections or future affordability that may trickle down for 50 years of mega dam financing.

There are legislators, finally, who are concerned about putting monies into unproven projects like the Susitna dam when our revenue stream is on a downward trend. The Legislature should prioritize our state energy projects — projects with a proven track record should be first to receive whatever funds are available.

Rick Ernst

Trapper Creek