The word is out: portions of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska will be up for bids this fall. Meanwhile Shell Oil is conducting pre-drilling research in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas and Denali National Park is getting into the hybrid bus business. Those stories and more on tonight’s Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.
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NPR-A petroleum lease sale set for October
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
The Bush administration plans an oil and gas lease sale in the northeastern part of the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A) this October.
Dutch Harbor hosting Shell Oil research vessels
Anne Hillman, KIAL – Unalaska
Shell Oil is using Dutch Harbor as a staging ground for its research in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.
Candidate Begich calling for national middle class tax relief
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Mark Begich released his plans for reducing the nation’s tax burden on middle class Americans.
Federal election Q2 filings are in: Begich raised more than $1 million
The Associated Press
Second quarter Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings for candidates running for federal office were due yesterday. The report period covers contributions and expenses from April 1 through June 30.
Gas-electric hybrid buses headed to Denali; emissions expected to drop 90%
Eli Menaker, APRN – Anchorage
Visitors to Denali National Park will soon have an energy-efficient way to travel through the nature preserve.
South Kenai counselors calling for expanded mental health care
Emily Schwing, KBBI – Homer
In Homer, licensed care providers and counselors are seeing an increase in the need for behavioral and mental health care.
Citizens Advisory Commission on Federal Lands to re-open in Fairbanks
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A state commission aimed at helping Alaskans mediate disputes with federal land managers will be headquartered in Fairbanks.
Anchorage reverses course on I/M testing requirements
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Anchorage’s vehicle emissions/maintenance test will continue.
M/V Susitna ferry will serve Anchorage, Mat-Su and Tyonek
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Matanuska-Susitna Borough
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has signed a memorandum of agreement with the village of Tyonek to provide ferry service between the Cook Inlet village and Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley.
Winter Southeast ferry schedule to include significant changes
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The new winter ferry schedule will be out in a few weeks. It will reflect changes to Bellingham, Sitka, Lynn Canal and Tenakee sailings.
Red salmon surge leading to raised dipnetting limits
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A surge of red salmon moving up the Copper River has allowed the Department of Fish and Game to liberalize fishing for dip netters at Chitina.
