On Election Day, Nov. 4, Alaskans will be asked to approve a $315 million bond to help pay for state transportation needs, funding 28 projects in virtually every geographic area of our state.
The projects include important infrastructure that will support economic development, along with necessary bridge and intersection safety improvements, as well as funding for congestion mitigation and key connections in Anchorage that will allow efficient movement of freight, buses and private vehicles.
The bond also provides over $43 million to be awarded as community grants for port and harbor improvements, dock replacements and roads throughout the state. The entire list of proposed projects may be viewed at the Alaska Division of Elections Web site.
If the bond passes, it will supplement a greatly reduced Federal Highway Program and help stretch the dwindling supply of dollars for transportation projects in Alaska. Our leaders understand that the buying power of these programs has been eroded by inflation and a reduction of federal spending. Supplementing federal funds with this bond will help reestablish funding levels of the recent past. Also, some of the funding will help the economy in areas of Alaska that typically cannot generate the funds for much-needed local projects.
By using state funds for infrastructure, state and municipal officials can avoid burdensome federal restrictions and execute projects much faster, without compromising public participation or environmental protection. A state-funded project can be completed in two-thirds the time and for two-thirds the cost of an equivalent federally funded project.
We think bonds are one of a couple of different funding mechanisms, including cash, to help develop a sustainable state-funded transportation program in a reasonable and controlled manner. Bonds give the public a direct say in the funding process, because they ultimately go before the voters for approval.
Alaska is one of the very few states lacking a state-funded transportation program. Alaska relies almost exclusively on federal dollars to fund new projects and rehabilitate existing infrastructure. We believe that a healthier, long-term solution includes a thoughtful mix of federal and state dollars. Healthy infrastructure is vital to Alaska's safety and economic development.
This bond is a way for the people of Alaska to demonstrate our heritage of independence of which we are all so proud. We can choose to invest our own funds in our own infrastructure in our own state, taking control of our future.
A recent public opinion poll (Dittman Research, September 2008) suggested that three out of four Alaska respondents support the idea of state-funded transportation projects. It also suggested that a majority of those polled preferred to use bonds to fund transportation projects. We at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alaska and the Associated General Contractors agree with those Alaskans. We urge you to review the bond proposition and vote yes for these important infrastructure improvements. Vote yes on Proposition A.
John MacKinnon is executive director of Associated General Contractors of Alaska. Stafford Glashan is President, American Council of Engineering Companies of Alaska.
By JOHN MacKINNON and STAFFORD GLASHAN