US Army Corps of Engineers Rejects State s Administrative Appeal of Proposed Pebble Mine Project
Sunday PM (SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - Governor Mike Dunleavy reacted strongly Friday to the decision by United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Pacific Division, to reject the State’s administrative appeal over the agency’s denial of the 404 permit for the proposed Pebble Project in Southwest Alaska. The State strongly disagrees with the determination of the USACE that despite the State having direct surface and mineral ownership interests, the State lacks standing to participate in this matter. The State’s ability to weigh in on these types of matters and represent Alaska’s interests is of great importance to Alaskans and the Alaska economy.
Alaska House of Representatives finalized leadership team & legislative committees
Sunday PM (SitNews) Juneau, Alaska - Almost a month to the day from the start of the 90-day legislative session, the Alaska House Coalition finalized its leadership team, and the House of Representatives voted to adopt a report that establishes the membership of legislative committees. The leadership team was adopted on February 18th.
“We’re ready to get to work and move forward with the people’s business,” Speaker Stutes said.
Stutes said, “Now that the House is organized, we’ll hit the ground running and start advancing policies that protect the health and welfare of Alaskans, confront our budget challenges, and improve public safety.”
Burst Pipes from Recent Cold Weather Causes UAS Ketchikan Damage
Sunday PM (SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - During the recent cold weather, a sprinkler pipe froze and burst in the Zeigler Building at 2600 7th Avenue on the UAS Ketchikan Campus, resulting in a large amount of water travelling through corrugated roofing panels to various locations on the first and second floor of the building.
Water making its way through the corrugated roofing panels and draining to spaces below flooded areas of the UAS Ketchikan Library, the Student Center and a number of offices and hallways. Approximately 5,000 UAS Ketchikan Library books, a number of computers and monitors, important documents, office furniture, carpet flooring and ceiling tile were subject to various levels of water damage.