Alaska relies on topographic maps that are over 50 years old. These maps, some of which were hand-drawn, are rife with inaccuracies. Rivers flow upstream, mountains are out of place and some features are missing altogether. This year, Alaska hopes to take a big leap forward by completing new maps for over half of the state.
Caroline Halter, KTOO
State consultants recommend consolidating state corporations
The Boston Consulting Group was paid $800,000 to study opportunities for savings and consolidation in three state corporations. They presented their findings to lawmakers on Thursday.
University of Alaska president addresses lawmakers after no-confidence votes
After absorbing over $50 million dollars in budget cuts over the last two years, University President Jim Johnsen and the Board of Regents are in the process of consolidating the university’s administration through what they call the “Strategic Pathways” program. Johnsen addressed issues with the university faculty this morning at a meeting of the Senate Education Committee.
After Alaska lawmaker’s fundraising controversy, Senate considers tighter rules
Alaska Senate President Kevin Meyer is going after PACs controlled by individual lawmakers and candidates in what he says is an effort to improve public trust. Others see it as partisan politics.
Juneau delegation meets with Tlingit and Haida leaders
Juneau’s three state legislators spoke at the most recent Native Issues Forum, sponsored by the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. A question from an audience member prompted discussion about the transboundary between Alaska and British Columbia.
Lawmakers consider protecting ‘ballot selfies’ as part of free speech
House Bill 7 would make it legal to share ballot selfies, as well as pictures of marked ballots. People who oppose the bill have concerns about vote buying and coercion.
Alaska tourism industry seeks new statewide tax district
The budget for state-funded tourism marketing has been cut by nearly 80 percent, but Alaska’s tourism industry continues to grow. Visitor counts for 2016 aren’t available yet, but in 2015, the state attracted a record 2 million visitors.