Don’t be fooled by the “efficient administration” justification for the decision by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to assume total control of the Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board. Before it was created three years ago, he wanted the power to appoint all its members. The Legislature knew better then. They should promptly reject his power grab now.
Last week the Federal Transit Administration announced it was awarding $131 million in grants for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). That’s in addition to $285 million the state was awarded last January. “We’re grateful for these targeted investments in the ferry system from our federal partners” Juneau state Sen. Jesse Kiehl said, “and we’re putting them to wise use.”
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.”
SE state rep prioritizes permanent fund for new session
Posted by Joe Viechnicki | Jan 19, 2021
Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins addresses the Alaska House of Representatives, March 12, 2014. (Photo by Skip Gray/Gavel Alaska)
Petersburg’s representative in the Alaska House says he’s prioritizing a spending cap on the earnings of the Alaska Permanent Fund in the upcoming legislative session. Sitka Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins says the theme of this year’s gathering of law makers in Juneau is “massive uncertainty” with no organization in place yet and no change in the state’s fiscal problems.
Kreiss-Tomkins returns to Juneau for his fifth term, his ninth year in the Alaska House. One week before the start of the session he did not yet know if he’d be in a House majority or minority.