The Mat-Su Borough Assembly approved Tuesday the transfer of over a half-million dollars from existing funds to pay for repairs to the Port Mackenzie barge dock, although some expressed reservations about the port’s continuing costs.
Transportation
Business as usual for marine mammal deterrence
It’s still business as usual when it comes to dealing with protected marine mammals in Southeast waters.
Paddler sought life off the beaten path, respite from ‘paying to live’
Coast Guard Lt. Joey Schlosser looked out his kitchen window to see a man on a raft with a dog trying to paddle Gastineau Channel. After being rescued by the Coast Guard, Brandt Smith explained to KTOO what he was trying to accomplish.
Skagway port consultants recommend $14.5 million ore dock modification
Skagway’s most profitable economic sector, cruise ship tourism, is at risk. That was the message port consultants delivered to borough leaders last week. The consultants were hired to make a recommendation about what Skagway can do to ready its port for larger cruise ships by 2019.
Juneau’s West Douglas road extension nears completion
The 2.25-mile West Douglas road extension project is nearing completion. The single-lane gravel road could be the first step toward opening up the far side of the island to development.
Team Pure and Wild Freeburd wins 2017 Race to Alaska
Four days and 700 miles after departing from Victoria, British Columbia, Team Pure and Wild Freeburd sailed into Ketchikan, making them the winners of the 2017 Race to Alaska.
Uber and Lyft are rolling into Juneau
The governor’s signature on House Bill 132 means Uber and Lyft are now coming to Juneau. But city officials are unhappy that that new state law bars cities from regulating the ride-hailing companies.
Naknek’s Fishy Fabrications takes on skiff building this spring
Bristol Bay has a big fishery but not a big marine services industry, beyond the seasonal shops that show up in the summer. This spring a local fabricator in Naknek expanded their business to try building a few set net skiffs from the ground up. Fishy Fabrications, a local business in Naknek, has started building…
Propeller problems postpone ferry Columbia’s return
The largest vessel in the Alaska Marine Highway fleet will be late to return to service this summer. The 418-foot ferry Columbia was due to return to service June 28 with service from Bellingham, Washington, to communities in Southeast Alaska.
Alaska governor urged to put the brakes on Uber, Lyft
The City and Borough of Juneau is urging Gov. Bill Walker to veto a bill opening the door to Uber and Lyft. The issue is local control: the legislation bars local governments from regulating the ride services.