The Daily Alaska Empire

BUDGET IS
GIVEN TO
CONGRESS

Truman Makes Request for
Funds, Outlining Plans
Proposed, Northland

By CHARLES D. WATKINS
AP Special Washington Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9-(A)-

President Truman asked Congress today for approximately $185,000,000 to spend in Alaska during the 12 months starting next July 1.

The President said in his budget message to Congress that "the 1951 programs ... include 23 million dollars for development of natural resources in Alaska. Development expenditures in Alaska under other functions—in particular national defense, transportation, and social welfare—will amount to approximately 162 million dollars."

The defense appropriations were not itemized nor the exact amount of them to be used in Alaska indicated.

PUBLIC WORKS - ROADS

The President asked $21,000,000 to carry forward the Alaska Public Works program for which $1,000,000 was appropriated last year.

He asked for $20,400,000 for construction of Alaska roads and $2,800,000 for maintenance and operation for roads already constructed.

In addition he asked for $8,700,000 contract authority for Alaska road construction.

"Work is continuing on the hard surfacing program for the major roads and by the end of the fiscal year it is estimated that approximately 570 miles of the Richardson, Glenn and Alaska Highways can be completed or contracted for," the President said.

NEW ROADS

"Funds estimated for 1951 will also permit the completion of a new road between Kenai Lake and Homer; the road from the Alaska Highway to Eagle will be advanced 30 miles; 30 miles of local farm and industrial roads will be built; the Turnagain Arm road will be completed and about 40 miles of the Richardson Highway-Mount McKinley Park road will be constructed."

The President said the Tok Cut-off road will be extended 65 miles during the year.

He asked $31,000,000 for the Alaska Railroad together with contract authority of $14,000,000.

ADDITIONAL FUNDS

Among other appropriations requested for the year were: $6,515,104 for the Alaska Native Service; $525,000 to pay overtime on the Alaska Railroad; $643,541 for care and custody of the insane; improving roads, bridges and trails $210,000; agriculture extension service $42,500; for the Naval Oil Reserve investigations in Naval Reserve No. 4, $3,000,000; research in agricultural problems $316,000; Alaska fisheries and game, $1,281,500; investigation of mineral resources $515,000; fish and wildlife investigation $246,000; Alaska Communications System $6,100,000; relief to the indigent $4,000; construction of airports at Fairbanks and Anchorage $3,200,000; operation of two ships by the Alaska Native Service $360,000; protection of Alaska fur seals $583,789; health, education and welfare of Alaska natives $490,764.

PUBLIC WORKS PLANNED

The Alaska public works program for 1951 "contemplates the letting of construction contracts amounting to $19,500,000; under the specific projects developed by the 1950 survey," the President said.

It includes construction of a variety of facilities such as hospitals, schools, electric and telephone systems, water and sewage systems, etc.

The $21,000,000 asked for the program would include $12,000,000 cash, but $4,000,000 would have to be used to pay contracts entered into this year. The remainder would be authority to contract for $13,000,000 in additional work.