The cruise ship industry asserts in its federal lawsuit that Juneau’s passenger fees are unconstitutional. The Attorney General’s office says the outcome could have wide implications for the passenger fee program statewide.
Economy
Papua New Guinea company to take over big North Slope oil play
Denver-based Armstrong Energy is selling off a significant chunk of its stake in the Nanushuk oil play to Oil Search, a company based in Papua New Guinea. Oil Search announced Wednesday that it will take over as operator next June.
Grounded Alaskan Dream defueled, ready for salvage
A yacht that ran aground in Sitka three weeks ago remains on the rocks, but is completely defueled and may be salvaged next week.
Entangled: Making the sea safer for whales
More than 30 times this year, the federal government has received reports of whales tangled in fishing gear along the West Coast. Sometimes the whales manage to wriggle free. Other times you see heart-rending pictures on the news or a rescue mission.
Alaska sues OxyContin maker, alleging deception
With thousands of alleged violations, the total damages would be more than $50 million.
Summer ferry schedule changes ships, not routes
Next summer’s ferry schedule will be similar to this year’s. Ships will change, but not the amount of service. It all depends on state funding.
Wreckage found on Admiralty Island confirmed as floatplane that vanished in 2008, family says
Wreckage and remains discovered Wednesday on an island south of Juneau is from the plane that went missing in 2008 with two men aboard, the family has confirmed.
Sealaska to pay $11 million in dividends
Sealaska’s 22,950 shareholders will receive payments from $596 to $186 for those with 100 shares. The amount depends on the shareholder class.
Tribal leaders call land-use bill step in right direction
Tribal leaders backed a House bill Wednesday that would give tribes the ability to control more of their land, instead of having to get federal approval for virtually any use. The American Indian Empowerment Act would let tribes shift federally controlled trust land to “restricted fee land,” a move that could save millions of dollars that tribes now spend on “burdensome regulation,” while restoring a level of tribal sovereignty.
Developers say Yakutat-area beach mine looks promising
Developers are optimistic about the potential for a beach-mining operation in at Icy Cape, west of Yakutat and east of Cordova.