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Is AGIA Dead?
Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau
Is AGIA being put to bed? When the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act was first introduced, it was sold as the state’s best hope of getting work started on a natural gas pipeline. It gave TransCanada a license to develop a project for Alaska, and it granted the energy company up to half a billion dollars in state subsidies for design and engineering costs.
But six years after the bill’s passage, the Parnell administration thinks it’s ready to go beyond that framework in an effort to get a LNG pipeline built.
Congress Likely To Pass Budget
Liz Ruskin, APRN – Washington DC
It looks like Congress will finally pass a budget. A two-year spending plan easily cleared a Senate hurdle today, and is headed for final passage tomorrow. Both Alaska senators supported it, but they’re not entirely happy.
State Supreme Court Hears Pebble Mine Arguments
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
The state’s highest court heard oral arguments Tuesday in appeals related to lawsuits against the proposed Pebble Mine.
Hunters May Get Tax Break For Game Donations
Zachariah Hughes, KNOM – Nome
Congressman Don Young introduced a bill recently that would allow hunters to get a tax break for donating game to food based charities.
State Senators Question Anchorage Tennis Court Funds
Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage
The state’s legislative affairs agency released an opinion on Tuesday saying state grant money shouldn’t be used to build a recreation center with indoor tennis courts. The controversial proposal to build a new rec center is on the agenda again at the Anchorage Assembly meeting tonight.
BLM Taking Steps To Clean Up Red Devil Mine
Ben Matheson, KYUK – Bethel
The process of cleaning up the Red Devil mine will take the BLM years. But the agency is planning to move dirt this summer to prevent more tailings and their toxic metals from entering the Kuskokwim River.
At Reopened Museum of the Aleutians, A Focus On Storytelling
Annie Ropeik, KUCB – Unalaska
The Museum of the Aleutians in Unalaska re-opened recently after five months of renovations. The space has been transformed in an effort to tell the whole story of the chain.
Fairbanks Drag Racing Strip Application Approved
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A controversial proposal to build Alaska’s second drag racing strip near North Pole is closer to becoming a reality. The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission approved an application last night by the Fairbanks Racing Lions for the half-mile track.
Fairbanks Light Project Shines On
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Holiday light displays are a common site this time of year, including on the internet, where you can view highly orchestrated light shows. It wouldn’t seem that a few strings of bulbs on a small Alaska cabin could compete, but a Fairbanks area couple has gained international following for putting control of their lights in the hands of internet visitors.
