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Senators warn capital budget omits major maintenance; vetoed Juneau Access funds threaten construction season
Summary
Senators said the governor's capital proposal leaves out major maintenance for K–12 and courts, cited a remote school collapse, and warned a veto of roughly $70 million could jeopardize matching funds and the next construction season for the Juneau Access project.
Juneau — Senators at a leadership press availability said the governor's capital budget offers little flexibility for major maintenance and raised alarm that a veto of previously approved construction funding could imperil next season's projects.
"There's no money in the budget for major maintenance at K–12," Senator Stedman said, adding that only three schools made the major maintenance list funded last year while about 10 had been on the request list. Stedman warned that without maintenance "you're gonna end up with just a bunch of junk," and referenced a remote northern school that "fell down" to underscore the urgency.
Reporters asked about a letter from trade groups that said the governor's veto of about $70 million threatens the $700 million federal match for the Juneau Access project. Senator Stedman said the timeline from the Department of Transportation and Federal Highway needs thorough review so the finance committee can determine any "drop-dead date" for losing matching funds. "They get expensive," Stedman added, referring to three-quarter votes needed to access reserves in a deficit year.
Senator Giesel said the veto was "senseless" and warned that some businesses could close if contractors lack work next season. "DOT doesn't actually build the roads. They contract with contractors... those are the people that are standing by waiting to do the work," he said.
What happens next: Senate leaders said they are pressing the governor for a solution and that the finance committee will seek timelines from DOT and federal partners to determine the window to preserve the federal match.
