Observers note the state has largely stopped funding its own construction projects. Now most of the capital budget comes from federal spending.
Transportation
Legislature passes capital budget in one-day special session
The vote allows road projects and other construction to move forward. It was the only piece of business for the six-hour special session.
Aircraft downed on north side of Lake Clark, recovery efforts underway
Update | Friday 3:45 p.m. Pilot recovered from wreckage of Regal Air Cessna 206 north of Lake Clark The body of a pilot was recovered Thursday night after his plane crashed yesterday in Lake Clark National Park. Joel Black of Pemberville, OH was flying a Cessna 206 Thursday morning when the plane crashed. Megan Richotte…
Feds charge Utah man with wife’s murder aboard cruise ship in Alaska
Federal authorities are charging a Utah man in the murder of his wife aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Southeast Alaska. Kenneth Ray Manzanares, 39, of Santa Clara, Utah, is charged in the death of Kristy Manzanares, who died Tuesday.
Lawmakers agree on capital budget funding for oil and gas tax credits, Kivalina school
Lawmakers plan to spend as little as one day in Juneau, as they meet Thursday for their third special session this year.
Alaska Airlines profits despite pilot shortage, operational challenges
Alaska Airlines is still ironing out operational wrinkles following the acquisition of Virgin America last year. At the same time, its smaller, regional airline is still grappling with a pilot shortage.
‘Suspicious death’ reported on cruise ship in Southeast Alaska
Investigators were headed to Juneau early Wednesday after a “suspicious death” occurred on a cruise ship, according to the FBI Anchorage division. Staci Feger-Pellessier, an FBI spokeswoman, said the death happened aboard a Princess Cruises liner.
Late state budget delays fall-winter-spring ferry schedule
Alaskans have until the end of the month to tell the Marine Highway System what they think of its fall, winter and spring sailing plans.
Consultants estimate economic loss if Skagway can’t dock bigger ships
Skagway could miss out on $15 million to $30 million over 20 years if it doesn’t renovate its port for larger cruise ships, according to port consultants who delivered the message to residents last week.
Washington’s new, tougher distracted driving law takes effect Sunday
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said you can get a ticket for eating, sipping coffee, starting a video or grooming if a trooper sees you driving badly as a consequence.