Juneau lawmakers are looking for members to serve on a new Taku River Task Force. The river is the most abundant salmon-producer in Southeast Alaska. It’s also one of the most studied in terms of biology, but with the renewal of mining at the headwaters, many other questions remain. “We’re just trying to find out…
State Government
State wants court to order fast ferry engine fix
Alaska’s Marine Highway System wants a court to order the fast-ferry builder to provide new engines for the ships. State officials say engines on the Fairweather and Chenega are wearing out far faster than their warranties promised.
Comments due on halibut Catch Sharing Plan
There’s less than a week for Alaskans to weigh in on the new Catch Sharing Plan for halibut. The deadline is next Wednesday, September 21st. A final rule could be issued this fall on the proposal that allocates halibut between commercial longliners and charter operators. The Secretary of Commerce could approve it by December. That…
State will conduct Juneau Access supplemental EIS
The state of Alaska will not appeal the Juneau Access case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Instead, Gov. Sean Parnell says it’s time to get on with an Environmental Impact Statement that considers improved ferry service in Lynn Canal. Two federal courts have sided with conservation groups that the state should have reviewed a “no-build” option…
Neighboring communities question Petersburg Borough boundaries
Petersburg’s plan to form a borough is drawing opposition from several surrounding communities. While Juneau, Kake and Kupreanof say they don’t oppose a Petersburg borough, they are concerned about its boundaries. Petersburg is on Mitkof Island, where the Wrangell Narrows meet Frederick Sound. Its proposed borough would be about 4-thousand 347 square miles – both…
2011 Juneau Governor’s Picnic
Photos by Brian Zittlau Governor Sean Parnell and First Lady Sandy Parnell hosted the Annual Governor’s Picnic yesterday, the last of the summer. Picnics were already held in Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fairbanks last month. The line for hot dogs and salmon was looping around the parking lot for the Sandy Beach shelters before Department Commissioners and…