Long overdue renovations to Alaska’s State Capitol are well under way. Juneau-based Alaska Commercial Contractors started major work on the building’s crawl space and portico at the end of April, a few days after the legislative session ended. Bright red construction tape blocks the front of the building, stairs are missing, and large signs direct…
State Government
Democratic legislators want intervention in redistricting process
Last week, a superior court judge scolded the redistricting board, saying that it was unnecessarily holding up the redrawing of the state’s political boundaries. Now, Democratic lawmakers are calling for non-partisan “masters” to step in and guide the redistricting process.
BP To Increase Number Of Rigs On North Slope
On Monday, BP committed to spending at least a billion dollars in Alaska over the next few years. The oil giant plans to use that money to bring two drill rigs to Prudhoe Bay and to potentially expand into undeveloped parts of that field.
Alaska Airlines bids to continue service to Adak
Around this time last year, it looked like Adak’s jet service was in jeopardy. Alaska Airlines wanted to stop flying there, and it was only after much back and forth that they conceded to continue serving the community, on a trial basis.
Potential challengers eye Begich’s senate seat
The next U.S. Senate race in Alaska is still 18 months away. A number of Republicans have jumped in the race, or are publicly mulling taking on Senator Mark Begich in November 2014.
Parnell declares disaster for flooded interior communities
Gov. Sean Parnell Friday issued a state disaster declaration for Galena and other communities affected by spring flooding. It will activate at least $1 million in state disaster recovery funds. The hardest hit is Galena, where much of the community of nearly 500 was submerged by water earlier this week. Many residents were evacuated after…
State computer system crash delays benefit checks
State assistance checks delayed by a computer system crash are now being processed.
Athabascan Elder Katie John was ‘a role model for Alaska Natives’
Athabascan elder Katie John of Mentasta Lake passed away on Friday at the age of 97.
Engineering work on gas pipeline slated to start soon
Field work on a pipeline capable of moving half a billion cubic feet of gas daily is expected to start next week.
State Seeks Backup Options for M/V Tustumena
In less than six weeks, the Tustumena ferry is supposed to wrap up repairs and set sail to southwest Alaska. But the shipyard says that delivery date isn’t looking realistic.