State House budget-writers have restored much of the ferry system cut proposed by the governor for the next fiscal year. They money could expand Fairweather sailings.
Southeast
Shortlist for Haines manager job includes two familiar candidates
The Haines Borough Assembly narrowed down a list of manager applicants from ten to four at a meeting Thursday. The shortlist includes the current interim manager, the Haines Chamber of Commerce director, and two Lower 48 applicants who have Alaska municipal experience.
Now in minority, House Republicans fail to cut budget
The Republican House caucus is pushing to cut the state government budget. But they no longer hold the majority. Instead of shrinking, the House version of the budget has actually grown.
After public testimony, House committee rejects proposal to cut school bond reimbursements
On Tuesday, the House Finance Committee changed course on a proposal to cut school bond debt reimbursements. The proposal would have left municipalities from Fairbanks to Wrangell with significant funding deficits.
Rep. Ortiz introduces state version of Mental Health land trade
While waiting for federal legislation to expedite a land exchange between the U.S. Forest Service and Alaska Mental Health Trust, state officials are working on a companion bill in the Alaska Legislature.
Low salmon projections cancel popular Southeast spring king derby
Juneau’s Spring King Salmon Derby won’t happen this year, because there aren’t enough fish. State biologists predict chinook returns will be low this year.
Colony freshman wins Alaska Poetry Out Loud competition
Ten Alaska teens competed in 2017 Poetry Out Loud state competition in Juneau.
Juneau exempts cruise ships from sales tax, then tees up $100,000 in sales tax for cruise industry lawsuit
Separate from the sales tax exemption, the Juneau Assembly had its first reading on an ordinance to earmark sales tax revenue to keep paying lawyers retained to fight the cruise industry’s lawsuit against the city.
Walker bill aims to curb opioid epidemic
The bill also limits initial opioid prescriptions to a seven-day supply.
Haines manager applicants include man fired from position three months ago
The person who was fired from the Haines Borough Manager position about three months ago has applied for the job again. The Assembly fired Bill Seward for cause in a 4-2 vote in December. Assembly members raised concerns about Seward’s competence and behavior during his six months as manager.