Governor Introduces Legislation to Revitalize Alaska Marine Highway Board
Monday AM (SitNews) Juneau, Alaska - Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy introduced legislation last week to revitalize the Alaska Marine Highway board following recommendations from the 2020 Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Report. The legislation (HB 134) aims to repeal the Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board and establish the Alaska Marine Highway Systems Operation and Planning Board.
“As we continue efforts to restructure and modernize the Alaska Marine Highway System, it is imperative the long-term operations and finances are addressed,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Our goal remains the same, to create a more reliable and efficient marine highway system to serve coastal Alaska for years to come.”
Alaska State Income Tax Proposed as Part of a Solution to Alaska’s Budget Deficit
Posted and Edited By MARY KAUFFMAN
March 07, 2021 Sunday PM (SitNews) Juneau, Alaska - Friday, Senator Tom Begich (D-Anchorage) introduced legislation to establish a flat five percent income tax based on your federal tax rate. Senate Bill 100 would generate new state revenue from residents and non-residents earning an income in Alaska. Currently, nine other states have a flat broad-based income tax ranging from three to 5.25 percent.
“The road Alaska is on has finally arrived at the edge of the fiscal cliff. Alaskans realize we need a balanced fiscal plan - a plan that relies on a balance of revenue sources and other solutions, not just on one or two major sources like oil and the Permanent Fund,” said Sen. Begich.
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.