The Nome Nugget

Asks Approval Of $10 Millions Alaska Public Works Fund

(AP Special Washington Service)

WASHINGTON, (AP) - Senator Magnuson (D-Wash.) said today he has urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to approve the full $10,000,000 requested by the Interior Dept. to carry out a public works program in Alaska.

He told a reporter he had appeared before the Senate committee to urge reinstatement of $3,000,000 cut from the public works item by the House.

The $10,000,000 allocation for matching funds is decidedly necessary, the Senator said, if housing and other facilities are to be provided for personnel needed in connection with Alaska's defense projects.

"The buildup in population in Alaska is being slowed and health is being endangered in many instances," Magnuson said, "because suitable public utilities are not available.

"We all know we can't have housing without light, water and sewage disposal. And yet we are expecting the cities and communities of Alaska to provide housing for soldiers and airmen and defense workmen, when the utilities are just not available because money is not available."

He said Fairbanks was one of "many examples where builders lack the utilities needed for any housing development.

Referring to the $10,000,000 as a "minimum requirement," Magnuson asserted "Any reduction, even though seemingly small, results in one or two fewer schools, one or two towns without a safe water supply.

The House, in slashing $3,000,000 from the appropriation, accepted its committee recommendation that the program be held to only those projects in which the sponsors have qualified and have participating funds ready to put the project in effect.