Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Jacob Resneck is CoastAlaska's regional news director in Juneau.
Dunleavy vetoes ferry funding added by the Legislature in the wake of cuts
Supplemental funding added by the Legislature to bolster ferry service was eliminated by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Communities on Prince William Sound face a seven-month service gap under a draft winter schedule.
Gov. Dunleavy postpones budget signing, signals support for two more vetoed programs
Gov. Dunleavy has reversed himself and declared support for subsidized broadband internet for rural libraries and a free service allowing online tutors for students. The governor had previously vetoed the $809,200 in funding.
Murkowski now supports a ‘complete exemption’ for Tongass from Roadless Rule
A decision by the Trump administration over exempting the Tongass National Forest from the Roadless Rule is expected soon. That’s according to Sen. Lisa Murkowski who in an interview with CoastAlaska has hardened her stance on the hot-button issue.
Veto blocks cruise funding for Marine Exchange
Alaska’s primary provider of real-time marine vessel tracking has lost 11 percent of its funding. That’s following a line item veto by Gov. Mike Dunleavy in the 2020 capital budget.
Ferry workers union explains why strike happened, and what workers gained from it
This summer the Alaska Marine Highway System weathered its first strike in more than 40 years. The fleet remained tied to the dock for 11 days while the state and largest ferry union worked through a federal mediator to hammer out a contract.
International Joint Commission launches ‘fact-finding mission’ into B.C. transboundary mining
Alaska’s U.S. Senators hosted members of an international commission charged with investigating transboundary water disputes.
“This has long been a priority — it’s fair to say — for so many of us,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski...
Alaska ferries resume sailing after striking workers ratify new contract
Members won a 3% raise over three years and concessions on how much they’d contribute towards the health care plan and when.
State and ferry workers union reach tentative agreement
Negotiators for the state and the Inland Boatmen’s Union reached a tentative agreement late Thursday night, which could bring an end to Alaska’s ten-day-old ferry strike.
Across coastal Alaska, Recall Dunleavy campaign gets underway
A statewide effort got underway Thursday seeking to remove Gov. Mike Dunleavy from office. The first step for campaigners is to gather 28,501 signatures to start a recall petition.
Dunleavy administration seeks overhaul of Alaska’s cruise ship program
The Alaska Legislature has restored funding for the Ocean Rangers, but the future of the independent cruise ship monitors — as well as the state’s entire cruise ship program — is uncertain.
Yakutat officials wary of state’s PFAS double standard
The EPA recommends testing for more than a dozen different PFAS compounds. Which is what DEC did when it first tested in Yakutat back in February. But in the months between the two tests, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration directed DEC to change its regulations.
IBU strike shuts down Alaska ferries
The largest union representing ferry workers called a strike at 2 p.m. The Alaska Marine Highway System has shut down until further notice.
Alaska Marine Highway faces shutdown after ferry union goes on strike
A labor dispute involving the largest union representing state ferry workers is poised to paralyze the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Tug and barge owner to pay $2.2 million in B.C. fuel spill
The owner of a tug and barge that grounded and spilled diesel in Canadian waters on its return from Southeast Alaska will pay about $2.2 million in fines.
Forest Service chief makes quiet visit to Tongass National Forest
Sen. Lisa Murkowski recently hosted the U.S. Forest Service’s top official in a flying visit to Tongass National Forest. The delegation kept a low profile during its visit to Southeast Alaska.
Gov. Dunleavy vetoes funding for Alaska’s local emergency planners
A line item veto deleted $225,000 to be distributed among 21 Local Emergency Planning Committees: local officials and volunteers who plan for disasters and train others in an emergency.
Cuts to universities could threaten Alaska’s unified library catalog
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s cuts to Alaska’s university system could dismantle a statewide library system that allows patrons to easily request more than 3 million titles from libraries across the state.
Australian mining firm explores potential vanadium deposit near Juneau
An Australian mining firm looking for a rare mineral used for high-capacity batteries seeks a permit to drill this summer in Tongass National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is reviewing its application.
Governor vetoes funding for Ocean Rangers cruise ship inspectors
Funding for Alaska’s on-board cruise ship inspectors has been eliminated by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. The Ocean Rangers program was created by a ballot initiative and is paid for by cruise ship passengers.
AIDEA approves loan fund for Alaska shipyards
Alaska’s investment fund is creating a $10 million loan program designed to make Ketchikan’s shipyard more competitive.