Alaska News Nightly: July 3, 2014
Lawsuit Challenging Native Language Needs at Polls Winds Down; Shaktoolik Erects Coastal Berm to Delay Relocation; After Floods, Huslia Earmarked $356,000 In Federal Funds; Honor Flag Arrives in Anchorage; Air Force Delays Scrapping Research Facility, UAF Seeks Takeover; Bear Urine Tested as Musk Ox Repellent in Nome; Despite Higher Fees, Sitka's ANB Harbor A Welcome Upgrade; Juneau Utility Sold for $170 Million to Outside Purchaser.
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Shaktoolik Erects Coastal Berm to Delay Relocation
For years agency reports have listed Shaktoolik as eroding with immediate need for relocation. But without government funding, little action has been taken and erosion has progressed. Now the people of Shaktoolik are taking matters into their own hands and building a coastal berm to protect their community.
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“Honor Flag” Comes to Anchorage for 4th of July
The “honor flag,” an American flag that travels the country honoring those that lost their lives in the line of duty, arrived in Anchorage yesterday just in time for 4th of July weekend.
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B.C. Pipeline Plans Could Mean More Bering Sea Traffic
Last month, the Canadian government gave conditional approval to the Northern Gateway pipeline in British Columbia. If it’s built, it’ll bring hundreds more oil tankers through the Bering Sea. That’s putting pressure on the Aleutian Islands to get ready for an increase in vessel traffic.
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Air Force Delays Scrapping Research Facility; UAF Seeks Takeover Deal
The Air Force has agreed to delay its plans to demolish a $300 million research facility near Glennallen to allow more time to work out a deal to transfer ownership to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
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Bear Urine Tested as Musk Ox Repellent in Nome
A unique smell has been wafting through parts of Nome this past week, but it’s not your typical summer fragrance. It’s the smell of bear urine, and it’s part of a new plan being tested to keep musk oxen herds out of town. Tony Gorn is a biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Nome.
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Juneau Utility Sold For $170 Million to Outside Company
Southeast Alaska’s largest electric utility has merged with a Washington-based energy company. Alaska Electric Light and Power in Juneau is now a subsidiary of Avista Corporation, headquartered in Spokane. The deal closed on Tuesday.
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After Floods, Huslia Earmarked $356,000 In Federal Funds
More than $270,000 in federal funds will help relocate five homes in Huslia following flooding and erosion on the Koyukuk River last month. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development authorized the money under its "imminent threat" funds. It supplements another $85,000 in funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cover the full $356,000 cost.
Yellow Pages seek new life
New phone books are arriving in Anchorage. You can recycle your old ones at drop offs around the city, and they'll be turned into insulation and mulch.
Enstar bill increase looks big but is temporary
Enstar gas prices are going up this summer, but the increase isn't permanent. An Enstar representative says customers' total gas bills for this year will be similar to years past.
One person dies in fatal crash at Merrill Field
A small airplane crashed during take off this morning around 8:25 am at Merrill Field in Anchorage. The pilot and sole occupant is confirmed dead.
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Alaska Arctic Policy Commission Listens to Community Input
The Alaska Arctic Policy Commission held a listening session today in Anchorage. The aim was to get more statewide input, especially from the Alaska Native community, on how the Commission should try to shape future Arctic policy.
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Soboleff Wins Sealaska Board Seat, Nelson Becomes Chairman
The regional Native corporation for Southeast Alaska has a new CEO, a new board chairman and a new board member. Leaders of Juneau-headquartered Sealaska are following a direction set by their predecessors. But they promise some changes, following a recent board election.
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Parnell: Pipeline Agreement Signed
Gov. Sean Parnell says an agreement has been signed that allows for the next stage in pursuing a major liquefied natural gas project.
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U.S. Senator Still After ANC Contracting Advantages
A U.S. Senator from Missouri is continuing her crackdown on the advantages Alaska Native Corporations enjoy in government contracting.
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Rainy Weather Continuing Into July
Rain continues to fall across the central and eastern interior as July extends a trend that made June Fairbanks rainiest on record.
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Rain Causing Problems On Interior Roads
The rain is resulting in dangerous driving conditions. State Department of Transportation Northern Region spokeswoman Meadow Bailey says she issued numerous travel advisories this morning.
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Largest Bristol Bay King Salmon Run Reaches Minimum Escapement
The largest king salmon run in Bristol Bay has reached the lower end of the escapement goal but the managers with Fish and Game are hoping for more.
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Strong Chum Runs Mean Salmon Openings In Norton Sound
As severe restrictions on Chinooks continue to hit subsistence users, early signs of strong chum runs are leading the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to announce some unanticipated commercial openings.
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UAA Undergoes Prioritization Process
With budget cuts and declining state funding looming, the University of Alaska Anchorage is in the process of scrutinizing its priorities to figure out what is sustainable, and what is not.
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