The Alaska Marine Highway System has enough money to sail through the end of June. A bill signed by the governor fills an 11-week funding gap.
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska
Landless communities continue fight for land
Representatives of five Southeast Alaska communities continue their fight for recognition under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. But they’re still facing opposition.
Gold Medal is more than a basketball tournament
Southeast Alaska’s Gold Medal Basketball Tournament began more than 70 years ago, which means many players and volunteers are following in their parents’ footsteps.
New state Forest Service leader has Alaska experience
“We spent 23 years together in Alaska and just having an opportunity to come back and re-engage with folks and work on Alaska issues has just been a dream of mine,” said incoming Regional Forester David Schmid.
Alaska’s top Forest Service official is retiring
Regional Forester Beth Pendleton will retire in April after eight years in the position.
Southeast tribes broaden transboundary alliance
More than 30 representatives met recently at the Tulalip Indian Reservation, between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Trump tariffs could jack up boat prices
The general manager of Bay Weld Boats in Homer says he’s seen in some cases 50 to 60 percent increases the purchasing prices of aluminum as aluminum users stocked up ahead of the tariff announcement.
Ferry reform effort gets a legislative boost
The effort to reform the Alaska Marine Highway System took a step forward Thursday. The House Transportation Committee voted to instruct staff to draft legislation that would establish a public corporation to take over the system. But it’s a long way from a done deal.
Ferry LeConte down for repairs
The Juneau-based ship will miss sailings to and from Gustavus, Hoonah, Haines and Skagway.
Marine highway reform bills introduced in state House
Juneau Rep. Sam Kito III has introduced legislation that’s part of a larger plan to restructure ferry funding and management. One measure would move nearly $200 million from the Alaska Permanent Fund’s earnings reserve into a ferry operations account.