Governor Sean Parnell released his proposed budget for the next fiscal year, and Unalaska stands to gain $15 million in state and federal funding for local capital projects.

City officials were especially pleased to see $3.1 million directed from the state general fund toward the new wastewater treatment plant.

“It’s an early Christmas present,” says City Manager Chris Hladick.

Hladick adds that getting money for the $18-million project is the city’s top priority for the coming legislative session. In the past, that project hasn’t made the governor’s initial proposal, which has led to some uncertainty over funding.

“The issue is that if you can get into the governor’s capital budget, it makes it a lot easier to get through the legislature,” says Hladick.

That project also received $4 million from the state last year, with the city expected to cover the rest of the cost.

In addition to the waste water treatment plant, Gov. Parnell is recommending that $1.75 million in state funds go toward maintaining the floats at the Robert E. Storrs International Small Boat Harbor and that $2.4 million be used for power upgrades and dry dock maintenance on the Alaska State Trooper patrol vessel Woldstad.

The proposed budget also includes two items that could get federal funding: $5 million could be directed toward the construction of a chemical storage building and $3 million for the airport repaving project.

Parnell’s total budget would spend $12.1 billion, a $600 million cut from last year. The state legislature will consider his proposal and start the process of developing their own budget when they open the session in January.