Budget cuts have already dramatically reduced marine highway sailings. The governor’s proposed budget will make it worse, and the legislature is likely to make further cuts.
State Government
Prince of Wales wolf season to close, 5 kills reported
Wolf hunting on Prince of Wales was hotly debated this year after the state released a study that said the population was only 89. The previous year’s estimate was 221.
Juneau keeps conversation going on heroin
Legislators, police officers and behavior health specialists are gathering together this weekend in Juneau for a townhall discussion on heroin. They’ll be focused on finding local solutions to help people suffering with addiction.
State embraces new justice report with prison reform specifics
Unless the state reforms its criminal justice system, all of Alaska’s prisons will be full by 2017.
Bethel considers becoming a borough as proposed gold mine advances
With the proposed Donlin Gold Mine appearing like a truer and nearer reality, the City of Bethel is looking at transforming into an organized borough.
Village police officer accused of raping teen previously celebrated at AFN convention
Brent Norton is charged with supplying alcohol to a minor and having sex with her while she was unconscious. The 16-year-old girl was found dead hours later.
After inmate deaths and scathing report, lawmaker says reforms are in the works
Senate Judiciary Committee chair Lesil McGuire said Tuesday the legislature will consider an omnibus bill addressing reforms, including a comprehensive look at the statutes defining the parameters for incarceration for alcohol abuse.
DOT project list calls for $37 million for Kake-Petersburg road
The Kake Access Project calls for 27 miles of unpaved, single-lane road and improvements to another 26 miles of logging roads. A shuttle ferry would complete the route to Petersburg.
Walker’s budget plan includes income tax, reduced PFDs
The proposal includes Alaska’s first income tax since 1980 and a complete overhaul of how the state uses the Permanent Fund — effectively cutting dividend checks in half next year.
Gaming out solutions to balance the state’s budget
Gov. Bill Walker will unveil his upcoming budget Wednesday, and the backdrop isn’t pretty. To get Alaskans on the same page, budget director Pat Pitney has taken her talking points and a budget balancing game on the road. Sitka was stop number 52.