Anchorage — The assembly reviewed the administration’s proposed 2026 capital improvement program (CIP) and the set of projects intended to be funded by bondable revenue. OMB staff and Public Works explained the proposed project list, how it maps to bond packaging and where members should propose CIB amendments.

OMB staff said the proposed 2026 capital projects total approximately $49 million in bond‑eligible projects, with additional columns showing federal match and ‘other’ funding lines. Staff emphasized that the capital book lists projects and revenue sources but is not the final ballot packaging; bond counsel and the administration craft ballot language and group projects into specific bond packages nearer to the election.

Public Works staff explained the administration prioritized a mix of annual program funds (repaving, drainage, street light replacement and other recurring infrastructure work) and named projects where federal or other match funds are available. The department said the highest recurring needs are road resurfacing and stormwater/drainage work, and that those needs, when aggregated, represent a substantial deferred maintenance backlog.

Members asked procedural questions about which items can be placed on a bond (design, construction and certain studies are bondable) and whether leased‑facility improvements can be included. OMB and bond counsel guidance explained bonds can fund design and construction and defined study scopes that lead directly into construction; bond funds generally require an ownership interest or a financing term consistent with the project design life.

The administration reminded members that amendments to the CIB are most effective if submitted early in the amendments cycle. Staff provided the schedule: assembly amendment submissions are due by end of day Nov. 5 so staff can assemble materials for the amendment work session on Nov. 7. The department also noted the 120‑day memo lists a broader set of candidate projects; items on that list that did not make the proposed bond list remain eligible for amendment.

What happens next: members seeking to add or reprioritize projects should file CIB amendments before the Nov. 5 deadline; staff will work with bond counsel to confirm eligibility and with departments to provide technical information for assembly consideration.