Local Government

Borough Clerk Alekka Fullerton said the potential economic benefits of cruise tourism are not worth the health risks.

Anchorage Police Chief Justin Doll said that the department has a “progressive mindset” when it comes to its use of force policies, but acknowledged there are areas where the department needs to improve.

The largest portion of the money ⁠— $1.4 million — will be distributed directly to residents in the form of monthly, $1,000 checks.

During Monday evening’s city assembly meeting, Mayor Beth Weldon said she traveled to the Lower 48 to move her son out of his college dorm. When she came back, she started her 14-day quarantine, and then started to feel sick.

The Assembly also heard from an emergency operations official with a plan to stand-up same-day COVID-19 testing locally. The tech being considered could process 1,300 tests a day.

American Cruise Lines’ plan for its 175-passenger ship Constellation requires passengers and crew to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding, preferably in their home community.

The Juneau resident is included in Monday’s update from the state with 18 other Alaskans who were reported to have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The City and Borough of Juneau received a $5 million federal grant to purchase electric buses and charging stations. The first is expected to quietly hit the streets sometime October. 

“We think it’s relatively low-exposure work,” said Deputy City Manager Mila Cosgrove. “It’s really a great job opportunity for folks. So, you know, we essentially are not going to have a normal tourism season that we would normally have this summer. And I know a lot of people look to that type of seasonal work. And I think that this type of work will be very similar.” 

The Assembly discussed the emergency ordinance at meetings last week and on Monday, but was waiting on additional guidance on Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s statewide 14-day quarantine mandate, which is set to expire Friday.