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Southeast Alaska Experiencing Strong Economic Growth
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Southeast Alaska has more residents – and more jobs – than ever.
Search Continues For New Major Partner For Pebble Mine
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
The major remaining partner in the proposed Pebble Mine said Monday that so much has already been spent on the project that it could get by with a much smaller budget next year.
Delegation Skeptical Of Pebble’s Future
Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC
Although Northern Dynasty officials say the company will continue to develop plans for the mine in Southwest Alaska, the state’s senators are skeptical.
ConocoPhillips Evaluating Request To Reopen Kenai Peninsula LNG Facility
The Associated Press
The state of Alaska is asking ConocoPhillips to reopen its liquefied natural gas plant on the Kenai Peninsula.
Acting Natural Resources Commissioner Joe Balash in a letter to ConocoPhillips President Trond-Erik Johansen asks that the company apply for a three-year license to export LNG from the plant.
ConocoPhillips announced in March it would not seek an extension of its export license but might if local gas market needs were met and there was enough gas to export.
Balash says current contracts can support local utility demands through 2018 but petroleum companies lack incentives to explore or invest without more market opportunities for gas.
ConocoPhillips spokeswoman Natalie Lowman says the company is evaluating the request.
No State Aid In Sight For St. Lawrence Island Communities After Disaster Declaration
Laureli Kinneen, KNOM – Nome
While Governor Parnell did declare an economic disaster for the communities on St. Lawrence Island due to a record low walrus harvest this spring, no immediate relief is available from state resources for struggling families. Unlike natural disasters, there is no pot of money available to assist in an economic disaster. And because of this, an organization is spearheading a fundraising effort for the two communities.
Fairbanks Voters To Decide On 2 School Bond Propositions
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Two school bond propositions go before Fairbanks borough voters in the Oct. 1 municipal election.
Muni Rejects Union Dues Initiative
Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage
The Municipality of Anchorage has rejected a referendum petition that was aimed at stopping the city from collecting union dues directly from employee paychecks.
Alaska Supreme Court To Consider Healy-Area LNG License Appeal
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Alaska Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal of a Healy area natural gas license. The high court will consider the appeal filed by the Denali Citizens Council on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
It’s the latest volley in a long running dispute between the local group and the state Department of Natural Resources over licensing Usibelli Coal to look for and potentially develop gas in the area around Denali National Park.
A license was first applied for in 2003. A state best interest finding in favor of the license was issued in 2010.
Minnesota Man Completes 5,000 Canoe Trek
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Minnesotan Bob Vollhaber has just accomplished what many Alaskans said wasn’t possible. He paddled a canoe, 5000 in 5 months, alone, through Alaska. He left the Washington coast in March and arrived in West Chester Lagoon in Anchorage on Sunday.
