House Finance Committee Co-Chair Bill Williams (R-Saxman) said of the transportation bonds, "Supplementing federal funding with state general obligation bonds is the right step in addressing our transportation infrastructure backlog." Regarding the education bonds, Representative Williams went on to say, "Our students deserve to go to class in safe, modern facilities. Passage of this bill will help our schools and universities more effectively serve the next generation of Alaskans."

House Bill 404 would provide for $143 million in revenue bonds to fund construction of educational facilities in urban and rural Alaska, University of Alaska projects, and museum projects in the state. These projects include:

• $21.6 million for an Integrated Science Facility at the University of Alaska Anchorage
• $7 million for University of Alaska School of Fisheries and Oceans in Juneau
• $13.6 million for deferred maintenance in Lower Kuskokwim region
• $1.2 million for Anchorage School District Fire Alarm replacement
• $6 million for Fairbanks School District Kitchen Upgrades and Relocation

House Speaker Pete Kott (R-Eagle River) applauded the House's initiative. "From day one, education has been one of the main focuses of this legislature. We promised our constituents that education would be a top priority. This bill is the fulfillment of that promise. Providing a quality education to Alaska's students is something we can all agree on."

House Bill 561 would provide $93 million in general obligation bonds to fund transportation projects statewide. These projects include:

• $4.8 million for statewide harbor deferred maintenance needs, a proportional amount that will be used for coastal community harbor needs
• $8.5 for the Lake Otis/Tudor intersection improvements in Anchorage
• $7.5 million for Steese Corridor safety and capacity improvements
• $1 million for Kodiak Island Borough airport transportation and renovations
• $1.65 for Nome City street improvements

"A G.O. bond gets Alaska going. It is time to invest in the roads and harbors that move people and goods. It is an important step towards building our future," said House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz (D-Anchorage).

HB 561 and 404 now move to the Senate for consideration. If approved, the transportation bond package will go before the voters in the November election.