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Source: Press Release

Mat-Su Valley to Get New Primary Care Clinic

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Government News

$40 million from Recovery Act creates jobs, improves health care delivery

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today announced the award of a $40 million loan to the Southcentral Foundation for the construction of a new primary care clinic in the Mat-Su Borough. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The new Valley Native Primary Care Center will be built in Wasilla and will improve health care delivery to Alaska Natives living in Palmer, Wasilla and other Mat-Su communities. With an estimated staff of 250, the project will also create jobs for residents of the region.

"Building this clinic serves two worthwhile purposes, providing jobs to Mat-Su residents and addressing Alaska's shortage of primary care facilities, doctors and other health care providers," Begich said. "I remain focused on projects and ideas that create jobs for Alaskans, many of whom are out of work through no fault of their own."

Funds provided by the United States Department of Agriculture will provide a 93,652 square foot facility, replacing a small building which cannot accommodate the growing numbers of Alaska Natives moving to the Mat-Su Valley from rural Alaska villages.

The Recovery Act is expected to bring an estimated $1.6 billion and save or create 8,000 jobs in Alaska over two years. Many of the projects funded by ARRA are underway this construction season, stimulating Alaska's economy and creating jobs across the state.

Additional information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is available here: http://www.recovery.gov/
   

Air Cargo Summit Brings Groups Together for Shipping Discussions

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Government News

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) - Representatives from 18 air cargo carriers, shippers and state officials met in Anchorage today to discuss the opportunities for shipping cargo thru the Alaska International Airports System (AIAS).

The special regulatory cargo transfer provisions available at Ted Stevens Anchorage International and Fairbanks International airports provide unique opportunities for cargo shipment to Alaska and then on to domestic and international destinations.

While these regulations can be complex, they provide unique business opportunities. Additionally, Alaska's geographic location makes air cargo shipment here economical - air freighters can carry more freight and less fuel.

The message Jeffry Shane, international air transportation expert and consultant to the airport system, gave to conference participants is "Start with a plan that works for you, your partners and your customers. Design that plan to meet your commercial/business objectives; then come to the AIAS and we will work to make your business plan function within Alaska's unique cargo handling provisions."

Gov. Sean Parnell and Lt. Gov. Craig Campbell both addressed the summit participants. Gov. Parnell spoke of Alaska's openness for business.

"We remain focused on improving the quality of infrastructure and service for all air cargo carriers," Gov. Parnell said. "In the last decade, the State of Alaska invested over three quarters of a billion dollars in bolstering both of its international airports. Not only do we strive to have the busiest international airports, but every day we work to have the best and the friendliest airports to air cargo operators."
   

Legislative Task Force on Higher Education and Career Readiness Meeting Today and Thursday in Fairbanks

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Government News


(Fairbanks, Alaska) – A legislative task force looking at ways to improve access to higher education and get Alaska high school graduates better prepared for the career choices they will face will hold two days of meetings in Fairbanks this week. The 20-member Advisory Task Force on Higher Education and Career Readiness, created under SB 221, is meeting today and Thursday on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus at 910 Yukon Drive, Butrovich Building, in the Regents' Conference Room (Rm. 109).

The task force is co-chaired by Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Kenai. Other members of the advisory task force are:

Mike Andrews, Executive Director, Alaska Works Partnership (Voc/Tech Training)

Barbara Angaiak, President, NEA-Alaska

Don Bantz, President, Alaska Pacific University

Diane Barrans, Executive Director, ACPE (AK Student Loans/Financial Aid)

Steve Bradshaw, President, ACSA (AK  K-12 Superintendents)

Heather Brakes, Legislative Director, & Designee for Governor Sean Parnell

Lolly Carpluk, Coordinator, AK Native Teacher Preparation Project (UAF)

Peter Finn, Chair, AK Coalition of Student Leaders (Designee for UnivAk Student Regent)

Carl Rose, Executive Director, AASB (AK School Boards)

Patrick Gamble, President, University of Alaska

Dr. Keith Hamilton, President, Alaska Christian College

Donald Handeland, Student Representative, Alaska State Board of Education & Early Development

Senator Charlie Huggins

Julie Kitka, President, Alaska Federation of Natives (or her designee)

Larry LeDoux, Commissioner, AK Dept. Education & Early Development

Representative Paul Seaton

Fred Villa, UA Associate Vice President for Workforce Programs

The agenda for the meetings follows: 

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 8:30 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

OPENING COMMENTS BY SENATOR STEVENS, CO-CHAIR

8:35-9:35         DR. DON BANTZ, President, Alaska Pacific University

9:45-10:45       STEVE BRADSHAW, President, Alaska Council of School Administrators

10:55-11:55     LOLLY CARPLUK, Director, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Rural Teacher Preparation Project

12:15-1:45       WORKING LUNCH AND TOUR: Hutchinson High School with Jeanete Hyden, Principal

2:00-3:30         BRENDA BAUTSCH, Education Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures "The Path to a Degree: Policies to Improve College Access and Success"

3:40-4:40         BRUCE VANDAL, Director, Postsecondary Education & Workforce Development Institute, Education Commission of the States, - Part 1. "The Lay of the Land: A Policy Framework to Leverage State Policy to Increase Student Success"

4:40-5:00         ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON ISSUES COVERED: Summarize Actions Suggested

Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 8:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.

8:30-9:30         STEVE SMITH, UA Chief Information Technology Officer, Broadband & Internet Capability in AK;

9:40-10:40       CAROL GERING, Associate Director, UAF Center for Distance Learning;

10:45-11:45     PETE PINNEY, Associate Dean, UAF College of Rural, Community & Native Education, UAF Development Education;

12:00-1:15       WORKING LUNCH AND TOUR: Effie Kockrine Charter School with Linda Evans, Principal, and Sue McCoulloug, Early College Coordinator

1:30-2:30         BRUCE VANDAL, Director, Postsecondary Education & Workforce Development Institute, ECS, Part 2 –“Key Strategies to Increase the Success of Developmental Education Students"

2:40-3:20         PUBLIC COMMENT

3:20-3:30         WRAP-UP - UNFINISHED TASK FORCE BUSINESS - CLOSING COMMENTS

   

SBA OKs Governor’s Request for Aid to Businesses Hit By Flood Disaster

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Government News

September 1, 2010, Juneau, AlaskaAlaska businesses affected by damage to, and closure of, the Taylor Highway received good news in the form of access to federal low-interest working capital loans.

The federal Small Business Administration responded to Governor Sean Parnell’s request last week for a declaration of economic injury following heavy rainfall and flooding that washed out sections of the road between Chicken and Eagle, causing landslides, erosion and drainage damage. Significant periods of rainfall between July 10 and August 5 contributed to record flooding in the Yukon River basin, which limited summer highway traffic, disrupted commercial, private, and tourist travelers, and led to economic hardship for local and regional businesses.

“I am gratified that the SBA recognizes the serious economic injury that Interior businesses have suffered due to all the rain,” Governor Parnell said. “The low-interest loans made available by the federal government will go a long way toward mitigating the ongoing effects of the highway closure and helping Alaska families and businesses bridge the seasons.”

Small, non-farm businesses, small, agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could not be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Karen N. Forsland, SBA’s Alaska District Director.  “Disaster loans provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.”

SBA disaster personnel are in the state to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help business owners complete their applications. Application forms and other loan information are available by calling (800) 659-2955, e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Applicants may also apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. The filing deadline to return economic injury applications is May 27, 2011.

   

SBA OKs Governor’s Request for Aid to Businesses Hit By Flood Disaster

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Government News

September 1, 2010, Juneau, Alaska - Alaska businesses affected by damage to, and closure of, the Taylor Highway received good news in the form of access to federal low-interest working capital loans.

The federal Small Business Administration responded to Governor Sean Parnell's request last week for a declaration of economic injury following heavy rainfall and flooding that washed out sections of the road between Chicken and Eagle, causing landslides, erosion and drainage damage. Significant periods of rainfall between July 10 and August 5 contributed to record flooding in the Yukon River basin, which limited summer highway traffic, disrupted commercial, private, and tourist travelers, and led to economic hardship for local and regional businesses.

"I am gratified that the SBA recognizes the serious economic injury that Interior businesses have suffered due to all the rain," Governor Parnell said. "The low-interest loans made available by the federal government will go a long way toward mitigating the ongoing effects of the highway closure and helping Alaska families and businesses bridge the seasons."

Small, non-farm businesses, small, agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

"These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could not be paid because of the disaster's impact," said Karen N. Forsland, SBA's Alaska District Director.  "Disaster loans provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing."

SBA disaster personnel are in the state to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process and help business owners complete their applications. Application forms and other loan information are available by calling (800) 659-2955, e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by visiting SBA's website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.



Applicants may also apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. The filing deadline to return economic injury applications is May 27, 2011.
   

Mayor Sullivan: Preliminary 2011 Revenue Estimates Show Budget Gap

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Government News

ANCHORAGE- Mayor Dan Sullivan today provided a report to the Assembly of 2011 revenue
estimates, as well as tax limit calculations.

The estimated cost to finance current services in 2011 is $448 million, which creates a gap between
estimated revenues of $18 million (if a 3 percent increase in property taxes) and $8.5 million (if an 8
percent increase in property taxes).

Preparation of the 2011 budget is underway, though no formal decisions have been reached. A
proposed budget is due to the Assembly on Oct. 1.

"I said last year that we would embark on a two-year plan to return us to fiscal stability," said Mayor
Sullivan. "This year's budget will again require difficult choices about what services to provide and at
what level. Unfortunately, revenues are unable to keep pace with the increased costs of running the
city."

A dedicated effort to find savings by identifying efficiencies is ongoing. It takes time to restructure
government and its processes; as a result, savings likely will not be realized until next year's budget.
Major factors complicating the 2011 budget are the pay raises mandated by the municipal labor
contracts, increases in the cost of employee health insurance and obligatory contributions to the
police and fire retirement fund.

Sullivan says he is keenly aware of the strain many Anchorage residents are under. "I hear from
citizens who have seen salary reductions of 10, 20 percent in the past year because of the economic
slowdown," he said. "It's clear to me that now is not a good time to raise taxes by double digits,
especially given the 36 percent increase in taxes already imposed on taxpayers earlier this decade."
"Our personnel costs also have increased 66 percent during the last ten years, which is a reality we
have to deal with given that our revenues have not managed to keep up," Sullivan said.

Community members recently were asked to weigh in on potential revenue shortfalls and tax
scenarios during the city's community budget dialogues. A final report detailing the results from all
four budget sessions is expected later this month.


___________________________________________________________

September 1, 2010
TO: Anchorage Assembly
FROM: Mayor Dan Sullivan
SUBJECT: Preliminary 2011 Budget Information


Anchorage Municipal Code 6.10.040 (A) requires the Administration to provide preliminary
information regarding the 2011 budgets for general government, the utilities and enterprises 120-
days prior to the end of the fiscal year. The required information included in this memo is:

· 2011 preliminary revenue estimates;

· Tax limit calculation;

· Major organizational changes;

· Preliminary general government capital budget and plan; and

· Administration's service priorities.

Also required, but submitted under separate cover, is:

· Business plan and updated strategic plan for each utility and enterprise; and

· 2011 capital budget and 2011-2016 capital plan.

Preliminary 2011 Revenue Estimates
Preliminary estimates show a $4.4 million increase in non-property tax revenue:

Preliminary Estimate
2011 Non-Property Tax Revenue
                            2010 Revised   2011 Proposed  Difference
Federal Revenues               $ 938,255     $ 938,255          -
State Revenues                16,797,079    16,587,130     (209,949)
Taxes, Interest,Other Revenue 36,860,579    36,925,981        65,402
MUESA/MESA                    17,067,411    18,363,000     1,295,589
Room Tax                      17,300,000    19,167,392     1,867,392
Motor Vehicle Rental Tax       4,271,327     4,666,128       394,801
Utility Revenue Distribution   6,524,243     6,864,000       339,757
MOA Trust Fund Contribution    5,100,000     4,900,000      (200,000)
Program Generated Revenue     50,798,283    51,627,236       828,953
Total                      $ 155,657,177 $ 160,039,122  $ 4,381,945

Preliminary 2011 Tax Limit Calculation
The total amount of all taxes allowed to be collected under the Tax Limit is estimated to be $8.2
million higher in 2011. Of note is implementation of phase two of 2009's Proposition 9, which
brought MUSA/MESA payments back under the Tax Limit. In 2011 a total of $13.5 million in
MUSA/MESA revenue will be subject to the Tax Limit, which will displace $13.5 million in
property taxes that otherwise could have been collected.
Attachment A is the preliminary Tax Limit calculation. The tax limit will be finalized next April
after first quarter amendments when 2011 property tax rates are set.
Major Organizational Changes
A major reorganization of the departments that report to the Department of Community Planning
and Development is being finalized. The current organizational structure of departments located
at the Tudor Campus is confusing to the public with different departments having jurisdiction
over a project or process at a given state of review. As part of the Administration's goal to
streamline operations to more efficiently deliver services, the new organization is as follows:

Eliminate:
Department of Community Planning and Development

New: Department of Public Works
Incorporates current departments:
Maintenance and Operations
Project Management and Engineering (PM&E)
Traffic

New: Community Development Department
Incorporates current departments:
Development Services
Planning
Neighborhoods

Name Change: Department of Real Estate
Incorporates current departments:
Heritage Land Bank
Real Estate Services

With the reorganizations, the Community Development Department will house all of the
planning, permitting, and inspection functions. This will consolidate all functions relating to
administration, interpretation, and enforcement of the land use code under one department that
will help ensure consistency on land use matters.
Traffic, PM&E, and Maintenance and Operations will be consolidated into one Public Works
Department. This will result in one department responsible for managing the planning, design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of all municipally-owned public infrastructure,
equipment, and buildings.
Preliminary 2011 Capital Improvement Budget and 2011 - 2016 Capital Improvement Plan
A major goal for this Administration is to take care of what the Municipality has-from roads to
parks to specialized equipment. To that end, the preliminary 2011 Capital Improvement Budget
(CIB) (Attachment B) proposes a $34.7 million general obligation bond package that includes
$31 million for roads and infrastructure and $2.7 million for parks, trails, and recreational
facilities. Preliminary funding levels for the 2011 - 2016 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
are included in Attachment C.
In addition the Municipality also will continue its work with the Alaska Legislature and Federal
delegation on grants and other funding that can help meet Anchorage's infrastructure needs.
CIB and CIP project details will be provided in the submittals to the Assembly on October 1st.
Administration's Service Priorities
As in 2010, the challenge continues to bring spending to a level the Municipality-and
taxpayers-can afford over the long-term. The first step toward fiscal stability was taken in the
2010 budget when spending was reduced by $20 million. As was reflected in the Six-Year Plan
submitted last fall, expenditures in 2011 will be substantially higher than what can be supported
by projected revenue-even if the Municipality were to "tax to the cap".
While the Administration has a number of initiatives underway that will improve the efficiency
by which services are delivered, we are not yet to the point where financial savings can be
realized.
As a result there will be further spending reductions proposed in the 2011 operating budget. In
making these decisions, the priority will be to ensure that Anchorage continues to have an
unsurpassed quality of life that is enhanced by access to quality education, good employment
opportunities, and a low per capita tax structure.  


2011 TAX SCENARIOS

If 3% Increase in Property Taxes

If Tax to Cap
Line       FY 10 FY 11 Difference   Line       FY 10 FY 11 Difference
1 Esimated Revenue




  21 Estimated Revenue




2

Property Taxes 221,394,860 228,036,706 6,641,846   22
Property Taxes per Tax Cap 221,394,860 238,143,887 16,749,027
3

Property taxes - service areas 15,900,271 15,983,923 83,652   23
Property taxes - service areas 15,900,271 15,983,923 83,652
4

Other Taxes 33,013,241 40,717,128 7,703,887   24
Other Taxes 33,013,241 40,717,128 7,703,887
5

Non-property taxes 122,643,936 119,350,994 -3,292,942   25
Non-property taxes 122,643,936 119,350,994 -3,292,942
6

IGCs Outside GG 25,911,733 25,099,878 -811,855   26
IGCs Outside GG 25,911,733 25,099,878 -811,855
7

Fund balance 2,561,206 255,801 -2,305,405   27
Fund balance 2,561,206 255,801 -2,305,405
8

2011 non-Continuation Adj
955,894 955,894   28
2011 non-Continuation Adj
955,894 955,894
9

Total 421,425,247 430,400,324 8,975,077   29

Total 421,425,247 440,507,505 19,082,258
10





  30





11





  31





12 Estimated Expenditures




  32 Estimated Expenditures




13
FY 2010 Base
420,540,903
  33
FY 2010 Base
420,540,903
14
Continuation Adj
26,815,678
  34
Continuation Adj
26,815,678
15
2011 non-continuation adjustments

  35
2011 non-continuation adjustments

16

Tax Cap - settlements, O&M 1,442,635
  36

Tax Cap - settlements, O&M
1,442,635
17

Other
164,800
  37

Other
164,800
18

Total   448,964,016
  38


Total 448,964,016
19





  39





20

Difference Between Estimated Revenue & Continuation Expenditures -18,563,692
  40

Difference Between Estimated Revenue & Continuation Expenditures   -8,456,511




   

House Majority E-News for Aug 31, 2010

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Government News

House Energy Committee to Receive Update on Cook Inlet Natural Gas
Storage Project


(Anchorage) - The House Special Committee on Energy will receive an
update on the proposed Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage (CINGS) project
on Wednesday, September 1 in Anchorage.

Representatives from ENSTAR, the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas and
the Regulatory Commission of Alaska will present the newest
information on construction, permitting, leasing and the regulatory
approval process. This is an opportunity for the committee and the
public to learn more about how the storage project can help solve
natural gas deliverability concerns for homeowners and businesses in
the Southcentral region in winters to come.

Who: House Special Committee on Energy, ENSTAR, Alaska Division of

Oil and Gas, Regulatory Commission of Alaska

What: Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Project Update

When: Wednesday, September 1st from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Anchorage LIO, 716 W 4th Ave., 2nd floor conference room
(#220)

The full text of this media alert is below:

http://www.housemajority.org/item.php?id=item20100831-801

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Bear Awareness Event to be Held Thursday

(Anchorage) - Representative Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, will hold
her final Bear Awareness event of the summer this Thursday at M.E.
Sullivan Park next to Westchester Lagoon.

Who: Rep. Charisse Millett, Alaska Department of Fish and Game,

Alaska Waste, Anchorage Police Department, Alaska State

Troopers, Alaska Center for the Environment

What: Bear Awareness Event

When: Thursday, September 2nd from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Where: M.E. Sullivan Park, W. 15th and U Street, Westchester Lagoon

The full text of this media alert is below:

http://www.housemajority.org/item.php?id=item20100831-800
   

Revision 12 to the 2010-2013 STIP Adopted

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Government News


STIP Revision 12 (Amendment) to the 2010-2013 STIP
- Public Comments, Proposed Changes and Approval

Public Notice: Revision 12 Adopted August 25, 2010
STIP Cover 2010-2013 Current STIP, Revision 12 Incorporated, August 25, 2010 PDF(11MB)

The links below will take you to Change Summaries and proposed project pages for Revision 12 only.

If you have a question about a specific project, please contact the regional planner* with your concerns.      
* Click here for detailed information and maps showing how to reach your project's regional planner.

No Comments received on Revision 12 Proposed Changes; Comment Period CLOSED August 21, 2010
Proposed Changes to 2010-2013 STIP - Revision 12
August 2010
   

Begich Statement on Sen. Lisa Murkowski

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Government News

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after Sen. Lisa Murkowski conceded the primary race for the Republican Party nominee for the U.S. Senate:

"Senator Murkowski has served the citizens of Alaska with great energy and considerable grace, always putting Alaska first. While we served together in the U.S. Senate for almost two years from different political parties, we agreed on Alaska issues nearly 99 percent of the time.

"She has been my friend for many years, and for the past nearly two years we have worked together on behalf of Alaska. When I was first elected, she and her staff were eager to help me and my staff  navigate the complexities of the U.S. Senate, and we were grateful for their assistance.

"I join Alaskans across this state in thanking Senator Murkowski for her service, and as she said in her speech tonight, I know she will continue to work on behalf of Alaska when she returns home."
   

Monthly Energy Review August 2010 Release - August 31, 2010

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Government News

Summary data on energy production, consumption, stocks, trade, and prices

The August 2010 Monthly Energy Review (MER), EIA's primary report of recent energy statistics, was released on August 31, 2010. Preliminary data indicate the following changes in the first 5 months of 2010 compared with the first 5 months of 2009:

·            U.S. primary energy consumption rose by 2%, due primarily to increases in the consumption of coal, natural gas, and biomass.  Total energy consumed by the industrial sector increased by 7%.

·            U.S. energy imports decreased by 3%, due primarily to a decrease in the imports of crude oil and petroleum products; U.S. energy exports increased by 18%, due primarily to an increase in coal and petroleum product exports.

·            Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption rose by 2%, due primarily to an increase in the consumption of coal and natural gas.

The MER provides monthly and annual data on total energy production, consumption, and trade; energy prices; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and international petroleum; carbon dioxide emissions; and data unit conversions. See What's New in the MER for a record of changes.


   

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