Time is running out on one of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s top priorities: a far-reaching energy bill. Murkowski had hoped the legislation would serve as her crowning achievement after two years as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.
Local Government
Sitka Trail Works to get $1.8M grant for Cross Trail completion
Sitka’s Cross Trail has won funding for an extension to the far end of the road system. Sitka Trail Works announced last week that $1.8 million in federal funds have been approved for the final phase of the project – provided the next president signs the federal transportation bill.
Juneau Assembly derails affordable housing plan
In a 5-4 vote, the Juneau Assembly voted to exclude a housing action plan from the city’s comprehensive plan. It was written specifically to be included in the plan.
CBJ Assembly Meeting – 11-28-16
Regular Meeting
Ketchikan Borough writes marijuana disclaimer
The Ketchikan Borough has written a statement to distance itself from the state law legalizing marijuana. The assembly hopes to avoid legal entanglements with the federal government.
Petersburg mayor to attend arctic conference in Norway
Petersburg Mayor Mark Jensen will attend an international conference on the arctic in Norway. The conference will address questions regarding climate change and its impacts on oceans and fisheries.
Latest effort to revise Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly invocation policy stalls
According to a memo from borough Mayor Mike Navarre’s office, the assembly has received “numerous comments challenging the legality” of the invocation policy.
Bethel approves grant application for bus funding
Last night, the Bethel City Council approved applying for a grant for the city transit system, approved refinancing the city’s court complex, shot down a proposal for new city buses, tabled a motion to amend the city’s current vehicle policy, and discussed the search for a new city manager.
Latest effort to revise Kenai invocation policy stalls
The Assembly approved an amended version of the resolution in a 5-4 vote, which would have eliminated the invocation policy altogether. But as the meeting came to a close, Assembly Member Blaine Gillman gave notice of reconsideration, which temporarily halts any action on the issue and returns the assembly to the current invocation policy.
Klukwan’s Jilkaat Kwaan heritage center aims to ‘carry culture forward’
It was a historic year for the Chilkat Indian village of Klukwan. After more than a decade of work, the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center opened its doors in May. The center tells the still-evolving story of the Chilkat people and also houses some of the world’s most admired works of Northwest Coast Art, the Whale House Collection.