Wind, water, air fill state construction budget

May 3rd 3:25 pm | Jim Paulin

Wind energy and air travel, docks and hydropower are among the elements of the state capital budget. And millions are for aviation in a region where flying is routine, where "going into town" means spending hours on a plane headed into Anchorage.

Wind and water power projects for Bristol Bay and Aleutians communities did well in Juneau. While the governor still has a little time to delete items, the Legislature gave the go-ahead to numerous local construction projects.

Wind money is blowing toward three Bristol Bay villages. The Lake and Peninsula Borough has $10,000 for a wind reconnaissance study for the Kvichak River village of Levelock. The borough also has $60,000 for a wind feasibility study for the Alaska Peninsula village of Egegik. And Kokhanok Electric is funded for $185,000 for a high-penetration wind energy project for the Lake Iliamna village.

Water power projects are flowing into both regions. King Cove could get $2.6 million for the Waterfall Creek Hydroelectric Project. The Lake Iliamna village of Pedro Bay is looking at $290,000 for the Knutson Creek Hydro Electric Project Design and permitting.

The Southwest School District will receive $486,000 for the New Stuyahok heat recovery project. And the G and K Electric Utility in Cold Bay is in line for $30,000 for a waste heat recovery project.

Akutan's city government was awarded $3.1 million for the harbor road project, airport access project, and harbor development projects. Akutan's new harbor is not yet linked to the village by road.

Army National Guard projects in two Bristol Bay communities include $500,000 for the Dillingham Readiness Center, and $150,000 for deferred maintenance at the Manokotak Armory, via the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Domestic violence shelters received legislative funding for building maintenance: Dillingham's Safe and Fear-free Environment, $42,500 for facility repairs and upgrades; Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence, $24,400 for siding replacement.

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Wind, water, air fill state construction budget