Critics have complained the organization spends more than is necessary, and has been slow to perform its work in recent years. The audit notes that there are about 28 applications for fishing permits that have been ongoing for more than 10 years, and not yet resolved.
Business
Would you live next to a pot garden?
A zoning ordinance that allows growing commercial marijuana in low-density neighborhoods is heading back to the Juneau Assembly for public testimony.
Nome reindeer ranch fundraises for mobile slaughter units, looking to sell local meat
After five years of rebuilding their herd and corral, the Midnite Sun Reindeer Ranch is ready to take the next step — fundraising for two mobile slaughter units that would let them process and sell the meat from their business just outside of Nome.
GCI to pay more than $600K for cell tower violations
An investigation by the FCC found that GCI had 118 unregistered cellular communications facilities didn’t properly light three of them, making the towers noncompliant with flight safety regulations.
Local marijuana regs set for public hearing
The proposed ordinance specifies where marijuana can be grown, processed and sold. A moratorium on marijuana businesses expires at the end of the year.
Obama administration cancels offshore lease sales, cites lack of interest
Gov. Walker said it’s like that door has been shut in Alaska’s face. “This hits us at our lowest time,” he said.
Wings of Alaska changes hands this weekend
Wings of Alaska will shut its doors after the last scheduled flight lands in Juneau on Friday, with Gustavus-based Fjord Flying Services taking over Saturday.
Congressional panel to hear criticism of EPA’s Pebble process
A U.S. House Committee plans to examine whether the EPA unfairly blocked the Pebble Mine in Southwest Alaska with a so-called “pre-emptive veto,” before the mine has even applied for permits.
Shell’s oil rigs leave the Arctic, skip Seattle
Shell spent more than $8 billion and nearly a decade looking for oil in the Chukchi Sea, including $1.4 billion this year alone.
Why did Shell walk away from Alaska?
Shell’s announcement left the state wondering what to blame—low oil prices? Tough regulations? Better prospects elsewhere? The full story is complex.