Southeast projects in Gov. Bill Walker’s pared-down capital budget are mostly road, ferry and bridge work that could be funded by the federal government.
Walker released a draft of his public works spending plan Monday. Low oil prices made it a much smaller list than proposed by his predecessor, former Gov. Sean Parnell.
The projects include:
- Water treatment system upgrades at about $3 million.
- Egan Drive, Glacier Highway and Industrial Boulevard improvements at $8 million.
- Auke Bay ferry terminal work at $1.7 million.
For Ketchikan:
- Ferry terminal improvements at $1 million.
- Tongass Highway, Stedman Street, Water Street and other road work at $48 million.
For Gustavus:
- Ferry terminal modifications at $3.5 million.
- Rink Creek Bridge repair or replacement at $400,000.
For Yakutat:
- Airport improvements at $10 million.
For Tenakee:
- Ferry terminal improvements at $4 million.
The budget also lists another $48 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System. About 75 percent of that money would pay for new engines for the ferry Matanuska.
Another $225,000 goes to refurbish an Inter-Island Ferry Authority vessel.
Walker’s capital budget will undergo changes during next year’s legislative session.
Lawmakers will also propose adding projects from the communities they represent. It’s not clear how much – if any – will be available this year.
