The state’s ongoing budget crisis trickles down, Project Playground burns, a family that owns a lot of downtown property has a rough year, Juneau’s indigent residents get repeatedly displaced, and other 2017 news of note.
State Government
Feds jump into transboundary mining dispute
A recent letter from the U.S. State Department acknowledges Alaskans’ concerns about pollution from current and potential British Columbia mines.
Walker appoints former Attorney General to Permanent Fund Corporation’s board
Gov. Bill Walker appointed Craig Richards to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation board on Dec. 28.
Southeast’s year: Taku sold, Chinooks crash, mines petitioned and a Tongass turnaround
Southeast Alaska saw some major trends and events in 2017. They ranged from cruise ship passenger increases to budget decreases to labor battles to murder investigations.
Unique payment plan for companies who owe TAPS settlement money
A new state law allows those companies to pay that debt with tax credits, meaning the state might not see any of that money. At least, not in cash.
Kake hydro gets boost in governor’s budget
A hydroelectric plant for a small Southeast Alaska community is a step closer to reality. Gov. Bill Walker included funding for Kake’s Gunnuk Creek project in his capital budget proposal.
Tax appeal challenges Alaska’s fish landing tax
A dispute over a fishing company’s tax bill is challenging Alaska’s fisheries resource landing tax on constitutional grounds. The landing tax is crucial for fishing dependent communities that receive half the revenue.
Affordable Care Act enrollments down in Alaska, but not by much
“There was a great deal of confusion amongst consumers,” said Alaska Division of Insurance Director Lori Wing-Heier. “So to come out of it with that capture? We’re thrilled.”
State’s latest water quality report has bad news for popular Kenai River
Each time the state puts out its water quality report, there’s good news and there’s bad news.
Can an Alaska lawmaker restore net neutrality in the state?
Alaska could join the ranks of states fighting to restore net neutrality. The Walker-Mallott administration has no immediate plans, but one lawmaker does.