Alaska News Nightly: August 27, 2009

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House Panel Seeks Alternative Energy Ideas
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
Unalaska hosted another House Energy Committee meeting Wednesday evening. As the committee sought input on a new energy policy for the state, they heard that sometimes alternative energy isn’t the best alternative.

Bristol Bay Reflects High Cost of Living
Mike Mason, KDLG – Dillingham
The cost of living in Bristol Bay is about 37 percent more expensive than living in the Anchorage area according to some new data released by the state.

Ag Division Wants Alaskans to Eat Local
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
The State Division of Agriculture is challenging Alaskans to eat local produce this week. The biggest grocery chains in the state have offered Valley farmed vegetables for decades, but most restaurants stick to lower 48 supplies. The agriculture division hopes diners can help convince local chefs to serve Alaska grown carrots as often as Alaska wild salmon.

Anchorage Mayor Seeking Energy Plans
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
As summer draws to an end, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan has ordered his top staff to work with local energy utilities to devise ways to handle a possible winter energy crisis.

State Modifies Coal Deal
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The state has approved a modified deal to sell the Healy Clean Coal Plant to Golden Valley Electric.  The agreement announced by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority cuts Homer Electric out as a power customer, reflecting that utility’s decision to pursue other energy sources.

Pelican Wants State Assistance
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The Southeast fishing village of Pelican is asking for emergency state assistance to repair parts of its water and hydroelectric power systems. Both failed recently, adding to the burden of a small community that lost its main employer a year ago.

Wrangell Fish Plant Gets Unexpected Benefit
Lisa Phu, KSTK – Wrangell
Wrangell’s new fish processor had a lighter than expected pink season, but that turned out to have a side benefit for the city-owned cold storage plant.

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