In the past year, cost-cutting, a summer labor strike and a mechanical failure resulted in months-long service gaps, both planned and unplanned, for Alaska’s ferry system.
State Government
Alaska’s COVID-19 case tally notches up 5; congressional delegation explains federal relief measures
As Alaska reported five new cases of COVID-19 Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 119, the state’s congressional delegation highlighted some of the features of a $2.2 trillion relief package Congress passed last week.
Alaska Legislature passes budget with $1,000 PFD, no stimulus
The bill would draw $1.1 billion from the state’s main savings account, the Constitutional Budget Reserve — mostly because of the recent collapse in oil prices. That means the state’s savings will be near the minimum it needs to pay the bills.
‘We crossed a line today’: Dunleavy orders statewide shelter-in-place, limits travel
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Friday announced two new mandates to further limit Alaskans’ movement and travel within the state, as the number of known COVID-19 cases continues to grow, and the first Alaskan died in the state after testing positive for the disease.
18 Alaska state representatives ask Dunleavy for statewide shelter-in-place order
In a letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the lawmakers recognized that the order would “undoubtedly cause hardship for some Alaskans,” but that they believe Alaskans are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to keep their communities safe.
Citing coronavirus disaster, Alaska’s investment authority wants to bypass regulations to fund Ambler Road Project
That would allow them to put $35 million into the a fund that could later benefit the Ambler Road Project, which they’re also scheduled to vote on.
Here’s what Alaskans who are out of work can do now, and more help that’s on the way
Not everyone who has been affected by the coronavirus is covered. One glaring loophole in the state legislation is that it doesn’t cover people who are self-employed or contract work, such as hair and nail salon workers, unless they’re specially set up to pay unemployment taxes.
Ten things to know about what the Alaska Legislature is doing
Alaska’s Legislature has been working to finish the state budget and pass bills in response to the coronavirus, and lawmakers could leave Juneau as soon as Friday.
Alaska health department confirms 10 new COVID-19 cases
The new cases include five newly-diagnosed Alaskans from the Anchorage area and two from Fairbanks. Two are from North Pole and one is from Juneau, according to the latest data from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
State proposes $100M loan guarantee program as Alaska businesses seek approval for out-of-state workers
Some 600 business entities have filed plans with the state outlining how they’ll safely bring out-of-state workers into Alaska to support “critical infrastructure” amid the coronavirus pandemic, state officials said Wednesday.