House District 30 and the lower and central Kenai Peninsula could get $7 million in capital projects if a budget on the table in the Alaska Legislature passes. Of that amount, $2.2 million is for department requests or reappropriations. Funding for new projects totals $4.7 million. Topping the list is $1.4 million for Waddell Way road improvements in Homer, which would improve a road connecting the Sterling Highway to Lake Street near the post office.

As of Tuesday, that budget was still on the table as a joint House-Senate conference committee worked to resolve disagreements in an omnibus education bill. Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer, said he did not expect any amendments to the appropriation bill except for whatever gets added that comes out of the education bill. Like a taxi cab waiting for a fare to pack his bags, the appropriation bill is a vehicle waiting for the education bill to get resolved.

“That’s really why we’re holding the capital budget,” Seaton said.

Gov. Sean Parnell also can veto or reduce any projects in the entire capital project bill, so the final result won’t be known until he makes his decision. For a full list of projects, see file attachment.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.