"KABATA"

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly approved Tuesday the transfer of over a half-million dollars from existing funds to pay for repairs to the Port Mackenzie barge dock, although some expressed reservations about the port’s continuing costs.

Project director Judy Dougherty said population projects have become much more conservative. The new financing outlook depends on a minimum of 18,000 vehicles a day paying a toll to cross the bridge.

More than 50 people gathered in the Government Hill neighborhood to protest the demolition of two homes. The state is clearing the land to make way for the proposed but not yet funded Knik Arm Bridge.

A bill authorizing the state to build a billion-dollar bridge across the Knik Arm is back for consideration.

At an Anchorage Chamber of Commerce luncheon and then again with reporters, Parnell emphasized the need to pull back on state spending.

With Gov. Sean Parnell’s budget due out next week, there’s plenty of speculation over what exactly will be in it.