The Alaska Marine Highway has seen deep funding and service cuts as the state deals with a massive budget deficit. With the money running low, what are the system’s prospects during this year’s legislative session?
Economy
Interior pick firmly against fed land transfer, with wiggle room for Alaska
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Interior Department sat for a confirmation hearing today, chaired by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski. She used the opportunity to condemn the Obama administration for its many resource protections in Alaska.
Mushing, a tradition on the fritz in Bristol Bay
Dozens of canines howl in John Hanson Jr.’s dog yard, excited by the sound of a snow machine pulling up to the kennel.
Ketchikan Assembly delays decision on taxing shipyard
A proposal to charge the Ketchikan Shipyard property tax or an equivalent payment in lieu of taxes was postponed by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on Monday.
Alaska’s population increases slightly
Southeast Alaska was the area that saw the largest population losses, in part due to deaths.
After 146 Years, Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus To Shut Down
After struggling to remain relevant amid public concern for animal welfare, combined with high operation costs, “The Greatest Show On Earth” will come to an end in May, the company announced Saturday.
Ketchikan borough manager calls for 10% overall budget cut, to start
Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s new manager, Ruben Duran, told the Borough Assembly Friday that he has directed borough departments to cut general fund spending by 10 percent.
Southeast land exchange bill reintroduced in Congress
Alaska’s Congressional Delegation has reintroduced a bill that would trade federal land for land owned by Alaska Mental Health Trust – including Ketchikan’s Deer Mountain.
ConocoPhillips’ big new find on the North Slope could help replenish pipeline
ConocoPhillips has announced a major oil find in the National Petroleum-Reserve Alaska, which could portend a new wave of oil development on the North Slope.
Alaska’s warming waters could slow coral growth, impacting fish
In a study released Thursday, scientists warned about the potential impact to fish, which take refuge in thickets of coral.