Feds Oppose Smaller Sealaska Land Bill
A new, smaller Sealaska land-selection measure faces opposition from the federal government. The legislation would transfer 3,600 acres of the Tongass National Forest to the Southeast-based regional Native corporation. Sealaska’s timberlands have been logged of much of their harvestable trees. Officials say the acreage will keep timber operations going.
Yakutat To Celebrate Return Of The Terns
Yakutat is gearing up for an influx of birders. They’re coming to the northern Southeast Alaska community to celebrate the return of the Aleutian tern, a somewhat rare seabird.
Marine Highway Dropping Discounts To Save Money
Say so long to summer drivers riding the ferry for free. Wave goodbye to the winter roundtrip discount. And printed schedules? Those are on their way out too. They won’t happen for a while. But the changes are some of the ways the Alaska Marine Highway will address a $3.5-million spending cut mandated by the Legislature.
Museums, Attractions Gear Up For More Ships, Passengers
Alaska State Museum Exhibit Curator Jackie Manning is confronted by some imposing figures every time she enters its main gallery. They’re well-armed, well-armored mannequins, displaying years of carving by Sitka Tlingit artist Tommy Joseph.
Prince of Wales-Ketchikan Ferry Loses State Subsidy
Southeast’s Inter-Island Ferry Authority will soon be short on cash. The authority sails between Prince of Wales Island and Ketchikan. Officials say what’s known as the IFA has only about four-fifths of the money it needs for the next budget year, which begins in July.
Preliminary Shuttle Ferry Plan Released
New Lynn Canal shuttle ferries will be 280 feet long, seat about 300 passengers and operate no more than 12 hours a day. Part, but not all, of the car deck may be open. And the ships will have no staterooms or crew quarters.
Albert Kookesh Remains Hospitalized In Anchorage
An Alaska Native leader and former lawmaker remained in the hospital Tuesday after suffering a heart attack Monday in Juneau. Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage listed Albert Kookesh in critical condition as of late Tuesday afternoon.
