Transportation (Airports)

This bill authorizes $69,695,087 in supplemental funding from Alaska's Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund for capital projects and grants administered by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The money will be distributed to support federal program matches for aviation and highway projects, as well as other federal program matching requirements. The appropriations are designated for capital projects only and will expire if not used by the specified deadline, with the funding retroactive to March 1, 2026.

HB 346 requires Alaska's Department of Transportation to follow local zoning rules for buffers (like green spaces or barriers) between airports and nearby nonindustrial property, such as homes or farms. The department can only remove an existing buffer if it creates an immediate aircraft safety hazard, after providing public notice and comment, and implementing new protective measures like replacement buffers. This directly affects airport operators, local governments, and residents living near airports by setting clear rules for land use. The bill aims to balance airport safety with community concerns about noise and development.

HB 283 allocates $36.4 million from Alaska's constitutional budget reserve fund to support Medicaid services under the Department of Health for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It also allocates $70.15 million for transportation projects, including highway maintenance, aviation programs, and federal matching funds, through the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The bill uses existing state reserve funds to supplement current agency budgets without new tax revenue. This is a routine budget adjustment for ongoing state operations, not a new policy.