Governor Sean Parnell signed the states $12 billion capital and operating budgets into law. Wrangell fared well receiving approximately $12.5 million in funding. Wrangell’s Finance Director Jeff Jabusch says this was one of Wrangell’s best years.
“It was by far one of the better years we have ever had. We did well last year but I think this year was even better. Two big chunks are for the boat yard improvements and boat haul out. There was $6.1 million for concrete work at the harbor,” he says.
Along with $6.1 million for Boat Yard improvements, Wrangell will receive $2.7 million for a new marine travel lift, approx. $1.8 million for Hospital and Nursing Home improvements, $1.5 million for street and sewer construction and $250-thousand for the Chief Shakes Renovation project, as well as $100-thousand for maintenance work to the armory and improvements to the gun range.
State Representative Peggy Wilson says funding for Wrangell’s boat yard and new marine travel lift should boost Wrangell’s local economy.
“I was able to put money back in, about $8 million back into the budgets for a new boat haul out for a 250 ton, right now we have a 150 ton, that’s going to make big economic development for Wrangell as well as finishing up most of the yard work in the harbor yard,” she says.
Wrangell Borough Manager Timothy Rooney says the funding will also be addressing a number of important street improvement and construction projects in Wrangell.
“It addresses some long-term needs like Cassiar Street and some more current needs like Wood Street which would be the main street that will service both Alaska Island Community Services Clinic and proposed Wrangell Medical Center Replacement Project as well as some funding for that facility,” he says.
Rooney says now that the lists of projects have been funded the city will move forward with prioritizing next year’s requests.