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Ketchikan: Ketchikan Officials Meet With DOT About Needed Road Repairs By MARY KAUFFMAN - Ketchikan City and Borough officials met with Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities staff members this week to discuss the status of repairs to South Tongass between Surf Street and Deermont and in-city Tongass Highway between Hoadley Creek and White Cliff.

According to DOT staff members, the State has performed extensive pothole repairs over the course of this winter, applying 35 tons asphalt patches.

A news release from the Ketchikan Borough said a team of the Alaska Department of Transportation's design personnel along with paving contractor SECON assessed pavement conditions this week as the department develops plans to repave portions of South Tongass and Tongass Highway. 

Quoting today's news release, DOT officials are attempting to identify an appropriate funding source for the paving project. And Ketchikan City and Borough officials say they are working with the State to expedite the road repairs.

Borough Mayor Rodney Dial commended the State for its focus on Tongass and South Tongass Highway.

“Residents are understandably upset by the current state of Tongass and South Tongass Highway. We will do everything we can as a Borough to secure the funding necessary to address this issue,” Mayor Dial said.

The State will conduct a major reconstruction project on South Tongass Highway approximately 3 miles between Deermount Street in the city limits to Mile Post 5.5 at Surf Street and approximately 1 mile on Tongass Highway from Hoadley Creek Mile Post 0.2000 to White Cliff, Mile Post 1.2798 within the city limits. The Hoadley Creek to While Cliff was scheduled by the Alaska DOT for construction bid in 2021.

The South Tongass Highway Rehabilitation Project is currently in design phase.  Additionally, the process to acquire environmental permits is also being developed. Once the team advances the design to 75%, DOT&PF will begin to appraise and acquire right-of-way, which could include part or all of select properties along the project corridor. 

The South Tongass Highway Rehabilitation Project has two planned construction phases: Phase 1 will construct the southern portion from Saxman to Surf Street. Phase 2 will construct the segment between Deermount Street and Saxman. Both are anticipated to begin in 2022 with timing dependent upon future funding and other considerations. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2020

Ketchikan: Officials Address Coronavirus Contingencies & Prepardedness By MARY KAUFFMAN - On the state level, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy submitted a supplemental budget amendment Monday to fund ten additional temporary positions within the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) preparedness and response. 

The governor's supplemental budget would provide the Alaska Division of Public Health with five new public health nurses, three nurse epidemiologists, one microbiologist in Fairbanks to assist with lab testing, and one emergency manager to assist in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). These positions will be based statewide and will be able to travel as needed to rural communities to help monitor and screen for COVID-19.

“The coordination and constant contact between our State departments, and our local, tribal, and Federal partners has been commendable. We have been preparing for the past month-and-a-half and are now looking to bolster our preparedness and response teams by adding these ten new temporary positions,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Common sense protocols that would be applied to any flu or cold season will help Alaskans deal with potential illnesses we may see in the coming months.”

“DHSS is grateful for Governor Dunleavy’s involvement and attention to the COVID-19 response, and his support for this proactive approach. Throughout this response we have had continuous communication with other government agencies and key stakeholders including hospitals and medical providers,” said Adam Crum, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. “To better protect the health of Alaskans from COVID-19, we have asked for these new resources and positions to fortify the DHSS EOC. This will allow public health nursing and epidemiology to have an increased presence around the state to help coordinate with local health care providers and many other partners statewide.”

“While we have not yet seen any cases of COVID-19 in Alaska, our Emergency Operations Center has been in operation for over a month and we continue to work with Public Health, including testing for the disease,” said Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska Chief Medical Officer. “It’s important to remember that there are things we can to help protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Everyday measures, like those that prevent other respiratory illnesses like the flu and the common cold, also work to control the novel coronavirus.”

The governor's supplemental budget amendment would provide $4 million in state funds and allow for the receipt of $9 million in federal support for mitigation and response efforts.

On the local level, Ketchikan City and Borough representatives are working closely with State and local health care agencies to prepare for the evolving Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat. At of this date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ketchikan.

City Mayor Bob Sivertsen says “local entities are monitoring this threat closely and adjusting as new State and Federal guidelines are released.” - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

Alaska: Alaska House of Reps passes operating budget in record time; Now heads to Senate for Consideration Posted & Edited By MARY KAUfFMAN - The Alaska House of Representatives this evening passed a streamlined operating budget that prioritizes public safety, education, and the essential services that underpin our economy and communities. 

Lawmakers approved the budget 23-to-16, and House Bill 205 now heads to the Senate for consideration. This is the fastest that an operating budget has ever passed the Alaska House with only 43 days having passed since the beginning of this year’s legislative session – something that was possible due to collaboration with some members of the House Minority.

“I want to thank the House Finance Committee and all of my colleagues in the House for working hard to pass the operating budget in record time,” said Rep. Neal Foster (D-Nome), co-chair of the House Finance Committee. “I’m proud of the tough choices and fiscal restraint that was demonstrated in the process of crafting this budget, and our values are reflected in our prioritization of public safety, education, and the health and well-being of Alaskans.” 

“In record time, the House has passed an operating budget that reduces state spending and continues to support education, public safety and other essential services,” added Rep. Jennifer Johnston (R-Anchorage), co-chair of the House Finance Committee. “This budget is about $35 million less than the budget passed last year, considering supplemental spending. With the recent market instability and reductions in oil prices, there are many tough choices still to be made. However, this is a huge step in the right direction. I remain committed to working on structural changes that will lead to more permanent solutions.”

However, the House Republican Caucus unanimously voted against the House Majority budget. According to the House Republican Caucus, while there was a healthy debate on the floor, there remains much to be addressed, including the dividend and a meaningful spending cap.

“I appreciate the Governor putting forward a flat budget that the House Majority and Minority could generally agree upon,” said Rep. Cathy Tilton (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su). “As a result, this year’s process was much briefer and far less contentious, which allowed for more productive discussions on the other issues which still divide us. That being said, passing this budget without any appropriation for a 2020 dividend – full or otherwise – has merely delayed the inevitable battle.”

  “This is the first step in a long process,” added Rep. Lance Pruitt (R-Anchorage). “We appreciate the discussion we’ve had on the budget so far this year, but there are still differences we will continue to engage and work through to ensure the concerns of our caucus are addressed.”

“No PFD plus no discussion of a PFD equals a ‘no’ vote. Alaskans expect their legislators to follow the law and fulfill their obligations,” said Rep. DeLena Johnson (R-Palmer). “This budget does neither of those things. The public’s trust in the institution of government has suffered further harm.” - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

Lawmakers demand urgent action to restore AMHS;
M/V Tazlina back in service this week
Posted & Edited By MARY KAUFFMAN
M/V Tazlina Returns to Service March 5th
Photo courtesy Alaska DOT

Alaska: Lawmakers demand urgent action to restore AMHS; M/V Tazlina back in service this week Posted & Edited By MARY KAUFFMAN - Today, the House Majority leadership team sent a letter to the Dunleavy Administration demanding swift action to restore the Alaska Marine Highway System.

Coastal Alaska communities face an ongoing crisis that is the result of most state ferries being pulled from operation due to a host of systemic problems. Thousands of people are currently cut off from the outside world, unable to access healthcare, food and essential supplies, and the state’s economy.

“People all over our state are understandably worried about the potential impacts of a coronavirus outbreak. The health of our people could be impacted, supply chains that keep our communities running could break down, and our economy could suffer,” Rep. Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) said. “Sadly, a human-caused problem – the mismanagement of our ferries – is already causing store shelves to go empty and a broad crisis that is crippling Coastal Alaska. Our letter encourages the administration to treat this situation like the crisis that it is.”

following a visit to AMHS facilities and the Vigor Shipyard in Ketchikan, where a few AMHS ships are being held out of operation. Speaker Bryce Edgmon and Reps. Neal Foster, Jennifer Johnston, Chuck Kopp, Dan Ortiz, and Steve Thompson also signed the letter.

Quoting the letter, Rep. Stutes wrote 10 of 12 ferries are currently inoperable. She stated after her visit to the Vigor's Ketchikan Shipyard last week, it became apparent that poor maintenance, management, and communication by AMHS is, in large part, responsible for the current state of the vessels disrepair. (Read the Letter pdf)

“Lawmakers can’t fund maintenance requests that are never brought forward, and we can’t use repair dollars effectively without thoughtful planning,” added Rep. Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan).

Ortiz said, “We’re doing everything in our power to solve this crisis, but we need the administration to meet us in the middle. The system badly needs significant investments to support repairs and adequate operations.”

The Alaska Department of Transportation also announced today the plan to return the M/V Tazlina to service on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

The M/V Tazlina arrived from Ketchikan to Juneau’s Auke Bay Terminal on Feb. 29, 2020, and according to a news release, the crew is preparing for its return to service this week. The vessel will provide regular scheduled service from Juneau to Angoon, Hoonah, Haines, and Skagway.

The Tazlina was at Vigor Marine’s Ketchikan shipyard since mid-January where the vessel received required warranty work and annual inspections for certifications.

This week, the Tazlina’s crew will take her out for required United States Coast Guard certificate of inspection drills. These drills include firefighting and abandon ship operations, along with launching and retrieving Tazlina’s rescue boats. The crew will load Tazlina with fuel and stores and prepare for the ship's return to revenue service. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

Murkowski Visits UAS Ketchikan
Maritime Training Center
Murkowski touring the Maritime Center Welding Lab
Photo courtesy UAS Ketchikan

Ketchikan: Murkowski Visits UAS Ketchikan Maritime Training Center - The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Maritime Training Center in Ketchikan hosted U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for a tour of the facility on February 21st. UAS Ketchikan has been training mariners for over thirty years. The UAS Maritime Training Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides maritime programs meeting regional needs throughout Southeast Alaska. Located directly on the water, it houses a comprehensive welding lab, navigation simulator, and a diesel and electronics lab. 

Sen. Murkowski noted that she was impressed with the facility and the labs, specifically the diesel, welding, and ship simulator labs. The tour was led by professors Mike LaBarge, Mariah Warren, and Larry O’Loane, along with campus director Dr. Priscilla Schulte. LaBarge teaches Maritime Studies, Warren teaches Marine Transportation in Security/Safety/Health, and Larry O'Loane is an Assistant Professor of Power Technology.

Sen. Murkowski expressed support for Alaska’s maritime industry as a whole. She thanked each faculty member for providing "valuable training opportunities for Alaskans."

With over 70,000 workers in the state’s maritime industry, nearly all Alaskans depend in one way or another on the maritime economy. The state is highly dependent on shipping for imports of food and other goods, as well as exports for oil, seafood, and minerals. Alaska’s economy is also dependent upon water transport, bringing visitors on cruise ships, managing ports and harbors, traveling on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system, and maintaining the equipment and machinery essential to villages, towns, and cities.  - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

Ketchikan: Legislative Update With Rep. Dan Ortiz By LARRY JACKSON - Monday, I took a few minutes to get updates on several of the issues I covered last week. In this interview, Rep. Dan Ortiz addresses state funding of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation PSP testing for shelf fish, DOT plans or lack there of to rebuild or repair the Tongass Highway, and Alaska Marine Highway funding. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

Ketchikan: Governor Dunleavy Recall's petition signing event - After a initial round of petition signing, the Dunleavy Recall efforts have been approved for a second round of petition signing. I visited the Ketchikan event at the Ted Ferry Civic center Sunday.

Events are happening for the next month around the state. You can get information at the Dunleavy Recall web site. There are also efforts formed or forming to defend the governor as well, nothing local that I know of. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

Ketchikan: Coronavirus' potential economic impacts to geoduck fishery By LARRY JACKSON - Today I talked with Southeast Alaska Dive Fishery Association Director Phil Doherty on the economic impacts to his members and the possible ripple effects of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to the greater regional economy.

I also talked with board member and diver Jeremy Leighton. Stick around to the end, Jeremy shows us his geoduck pump and related equipment. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

Alaska: Alaska Senate Doubles Motor Fuel Tax; First Tax Increase Since 1970 - The Alaska Senate yesterday approved what they called a "modest increase" to the state’s motor fuel tax rates.  

Senate Bill 115, sponsored by Senator Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, increases the tax rates on highway and marine motor fuels to 16 cents and 10 cents per gallon, respectively, and is estimated to generate approximately $35 million in additional state revenue. 

“This is a meaningful step toward funding the state’s backlog of transportation infrastructure and maintenance needs,” said Sen. Bishop. “A modest increase in transportation funding will improve public safety, stimulate economic growth and provide good-paying jobs for Alaskans.”  

Alaska’s motor fuel tax rates have not changed for 50 years, since May 1970. With this increase, Alaska would still have the lowest marine fuel tax rate in the nation and the ninth lowest highway fuel tax rate. 

Current law sets the per gallon base tax rates for highway fuel at 8 cents and marine fuel at 5 cents. 

Alaska’s highway motor fuel tax rate of 8 cents per gallon was close to those of other states when it was enacted in 1970. Since that time, however, every other state has gradually increased motor fuel tax rates while Alaska has remained frozen in time. Alaska’s 1970 rate, adjusted for inflation, would be roughly 52 cents today, meaning the tax has lost about 85 percent of its purchasing power since 1970. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 03, 2020

TOM PURCELL: THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL RACE: NO LAUGHING MATTER - At least Michael Bloomberg gave it a try.

Having done poorly in a prior debate, he joked during the Charleston, S.C., debate that he was surprised the other candidates showed up – because he “did such a good job beating them last week.”

His poorly timed attempt at humor was ridiculed on social media. So what has happened to humor among our presidential candidates?

Partisanship makes way too many of us way too serious way too much of the time. But the American sense of humor has a deep history and most presidents have used it well.

Barack Obama’s deadpan humor brought the house down during several White House Correspondents’ Dinners.

In 2009, he said: “There was a point in my life when I started palling around with a pretty ugly crowd, I’ve got to be honest. These guys were serious deadbeats; they were lowlifes; they were unrepentant no-good punks. That’s right: I’ve been a member of the United States Senate.”

George W. Bush showed a great sense of humor opening the 2005 event: “I look forward to these dinners where I’m supposed to be funny … intentionally.”

Bill Clinton always had a charming twinkle in his eye, as though we were all in on the joke. At the 2000 dinner, amid investigations targeting him and his wife, he said: “Over the last few months I’ve lost 10 pounds. Where did they go? Why haven’t I produced them to the independent counsel? How did some of them manage to wind up on Tim Russert [news show]?”

George H.W. Bush wasn’t noted for his wit, but tried his best. He told the 1989 Gridiron Club dinner: “People say I’m indecisive, but I don’t know about that.”

In Bush’s defense, he did follow one of our wittiest presidents since Abe Lincoln. Ronald Reagan loved to poke fun at socialism and communism.

He told a story about a Russian wanting to buy a car. The man goes to the official agency, puts down his money and is told his car will be delivered in exactly 10 years.

“Morning or afternoon?” the purchaser asks. - More...
Tuesday - March 03, 2020

Political Cartoon: Democratic dual driver
By Dave Granlund ©2020, PoliticalCartoons.com
Distributed to paid subscribers for publication by Cagle Cartoons, Inc.