Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives Sunday unanimously passed the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget, investing in statewide infrastructure, school, university and community priorities to help grow the state and keep the economy moving.

Under the leadership of House Finance Committee Co-Chair Bill Stoltze, R- Mat-Su/Chugiak, the $2.2 billion Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 18 reflects a billion dollars savings over the previous fiscal year.

The House worked to strike on a regional balance and focus on life, health and safety priorities first.

“We wanted to make sure we were pro-active in terms of keeping up with our end of the bargain on education. This is highlighted through an investment of $21 million, supported by every member of the Finance Committee, to enhance student safety and security,” Stoltze said.

The additions to the capital budget were made in consultation with members of both the House Majority and Minority.

“I believe the capital budget we passed tonight represents a fair allocation of funds to address the critical needs throughout the state,” Stoltze said. “We took care of a lot of problems, and re-appropriations, which are going to be scarce as the revenue picture re-shapes in the future. We have a robust budget this session, but will be looking at tightening our belts going forward.”

The breakdown is $1.3 billion in state funds and $928 million in federal funds on anchor projects like roads, schools, airports, harbors, deferred maintenance, and a myriad of local priorities.

Project highlights include:

– $57 million to build and renovate rural schools as part of the Kassayulie decision

– $30 million in bridge funding for the University of Alaska construction projects

– $21 million in targeted funding for school security and technology enhancements

– $25 million for the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension

– $15 million for the Ketchikan Medical Center

– $25 million for Alaska Energy Authority programs

– $10 million for Juneau Access

– $4.5 million to address dwindling Chinook salmon runs, including the Susitna River

– $1 million for the Alaska Youth Obesity Program

– $2.5 million to address erosion on the Matanuska River

– $1 million for tsunami debris removal

Legislative Finance Division reports on the bill are available at https://www.legfin.state.ak.us.