Curious Juneau examines why Gastineau Channel isn’t maintained as a through waterway. Instead most vessels have to take the long way around Douglas Island.
Transportation
U.S. House passes King Cove Road bill
The Senate hasn’t passed the bill yet. Don Young hinted the Trump administration might not need new legislation to take action.
Alaska Airlines might reduce flights to Bethel this winter
Alaska Airlines might cut some of its flights between Bethel and Anchorage, just in time for the holidays. Management confirmed that their flight schedule will change a few weeks before Thanksgiving and remain in effect until a few days after New Year’s, but it’s still unclear what those changes will be.
Motor fuel tax stalls in a year of few bills
Lawmakers have passed fewer bills in 2017 than any year in the state’s history, but it seemed that Senate Bill 25 stood one of the best chances of passing.
Cutter Maple’s Alaskan farewell a possible journey to remember
The Maple’s trip is intended to celebrate the anniversary of the Coast Guard’s last trip through the Northwest Passage and to re-establish logistics with Canada for securing the important waterway.
Former head of Alaska railroad workers union sentenced for felony embezzlement
The former head of Alaska’s railroad workers union has been sentenced to a year in jail for felony embezzlement
No injuries reported after cement truck rolls over near Dredge Lake
The cab of the truck was partially crushed, though Juneau police dispatch reports no injuries.
Update: Someone may want to buy the ferry Taku, but they need more time
Someone is interested in buying the retired ferry Taku. As a result, the Alaska Marine Highway System is giving interested parties an extra month to submit bids.
Haines negotiating to buy Gustavus float for temporary moorage
The Haines Borough is negotiating with the town of Gustavus to buy a surplus float. It would be used temporarily for moorage at the small boat harbor. Eventually, the borough would utilize it as a breakwater in Letnikof Cove.
Fatal December plane crash ruled a suicide
Mark and Cecilia Matter lost their lives in December when their red plane crashed into Marvel Dome, a snow-covered mountain near the family’s mine. Authorities now consider the Aniak couple’s death to be a suicide.