In less than a week, the first cruise ship of the season will dock in Skagway, bringing thousands of visitors to the busy Northern Lynn Canal port. But if lawmakers in Washington haven’t agreed on a spending plan by then, a government shutdown would close one popular visitor attraction – Skagway’s national park.
Southeast
House, Senate wait for other to act on conference committees
The fate of the state’s budget remains uncertain. It remains to be seen how the House and Senate will go about negotiating compromises.
Haines manager candidates address borough staff
The interview process to choose Haines’ next municipal leader began Monday morning. Local residents Debra Schnabel and Brad Ryan are the two finalists for the borough manager job. They answered questions from borough staff — their potential employees — during the first round of interviews.
Internet improvements bode well for location-neutral workers in Haines
A number of Haines residents make a living with “location-neutral” jobs. For many of those people, a reliable internet connection is essential for their work.
Sealaska Corp. adds to seafood investments
Sealaska officials say investments in two seafood processors will help drive future earnings. But a critic doubts they will make much money.
State funding cuts to University of Alaska could deeply impact rural campuses
University of Alaska campuses are bracing for change as UA faces up to $22 million in cuts from the state. University administration are entertaining several different long-term options to reduce the costs, which it is calling Strategic Pathways. Some of the options would could have profound effects on higher education in rural Alaska.
Ketchikan seafood processors to see water rate hikes
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) — Officials in Ketchikan have approved an ordinance that more than doubles water rates for the southeast Alaska city’s seafood processors over the next three years. The Ketchikan Daily News reports the City Council approved the ordinance Thursday. Water rates will increase by 35 percent each year over the next three years…
Biomass success stories shared from Galena, Ketchikan, Tanana
During last week’s Alaska Wood Energy Conference in Ketchikan, participants heard three “case studies” from communities in Alaska that have invested in biomass: Galena, Ketchikan and Tanana.
Tugboat carrying over 300 gallons of oil sinks in Sitka
A tugboat with more than 300 gallons of oil aboard sank Thursday night in Sitka.
Juneau boundary expansion could threaten subsistence living in Angoon
The City and Borough of Juneau is looking to expand its boundaries on Admiralty Island. That island is home to Angoon, a community of about 500 people, some of whom fear a nearby land annexation would threaten their subsistence lifestyle.