Governor Mike Dunleavy on December 15 released the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which invests in public safety, education, infrastructure development and the PFD. A total of $310 million has been proposed for the General Obligation Transportation and Infrastructure Bond, which covers ports and harbors; surface transportation; airports; and education, public safety, and community infrastructure projects. One of the projects, the Kenai Bluff Stabilization, would see the state funding $6.5 million to help Kenai meet its local match of $10.5 million.
Kenai passed an action/approval item, sponsored by Council Member Glenese Pettey that would send a formal letter, signed by all of the council members, to the governor thanking him for the aid in the Kenai Bluff Stabilization Project.
Pettey spoke to council, saying:
“This was requested by me to have a thank you letter available for all of the city council members to sign personally thanking the governor for that allocation of $6 million for the bluff erosion opportunity. I wanted him to personally get a letter of thanks, letting him know how appreciative that we are. I appreciate everyone’s signature on that letter.”
According to the letter, the state funding to support the project provides the matching funds, allowing the city to leverage over $19.5 million in federal dollars in economic activity in the state. The state funding will help the council meet its 35% federal match requirement and proceed with an estimated $30 million project that aims to save infrastructure, protect against cultural vulnerability, increase safety, and spur investment and economic development.
thankyou
