The state ferry Taku is not hip enough for Portland. A company based there that submitted the winning bid earlier this fall withdrew. The new top bidder is from Dubai.
Transportation
Juneau’s sticking with diesel buses through 2021
The Juneau Assembly met to order new buses; confirm new mining committee members and allocate $1.3 million toward rebuilding the Twin Lakes playground razed by fire.
Alaska-bound fuel barge runs into trouble in Canadian waters
A fuel-laden barge bound for Alaska ran broke free from its tug in stormy seas. Canadian officials say the U.S. vessel is back under control but the incident reignites a debate over petroleum shipments in the Inside Passage.
Flat-Earther delays launch in his homemade rocket, saying ‘It’s not easy’
Mike Hughes had planned to launch himself Saturday over the Mojave Desert in a quest to prove the world is flat. But he didn’t count on a federal agency’s rejection — or a significant tech breakdown.
Skagway mayor vetoes Assembly action on White Pass memorandum
The Skagway Assembly took a step forward at a meeting Tuesday in waterfront negotiations with White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. The group unanimously approved a draft memorandum of understanding with the private company. But, the next day, the mayor put on the brakes.
Proposed ordinance would require permits for charging electric vehicles at Juneau-owned stations
Electric vehicles may soon be required to have a pay-and-display permit use city-owned charging stations. Electric vehicles are popular in the capital city with about 200 on the road and two being added each week.
‘I don’t believe in science,’ says flat-Earther set to launch himself in own rocket
“Mad” Mike Hughes plans to take the rocket built from salvaged metal on a flight across the Mojave Desert on Saturday. His stated mission: to overturn two millennia of scientific understanding.
Skagway boat freed from rocks after ferry mishap
Three Alaska Power and Telephone workers were rescued Tuesday after their boat ran aground 6 miles south of Skagway, according to a report from the Alaska State Troopers.
Alaska Airlines to discontinue flights to Cuba
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines on Tuesday announced it will discontinue flights to Havana after the holidays. Alaska joins a parade of other U.S. carriers who are trimming back flights to Cuba or dropping service entirely.
Skagway Assembly continues work on MOU with White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad
The Skagway Assembly met for the second time this week to review a document that could provide a way forward on port improvements. The group made some notable edits to a memorandum of understanding with White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.