Alaskans Invited to Weigh in on 20-Year Ferry Plan
Alaskans Invited to Weigh in on 20-Year Ferry Plan
A draft of Alaska’s 20-year ferry plan is now open for public comment. The long-range plan aims to restore reliable service to over 30 coastal communities, none of which are Seward, and guide the Alaska Marine Highway System through 2045.
AMHS Director Craig Tornga says the goal isn’t major expansion but getting back to pre-pandemic levels.
“We’re really looking at trying to increase the port calls at our current communities and to make sure that we have some reliable service... and keep it efficient from a cost perspective.”
The $3 billion proposal includes new hybrid ferries, port upgrades, more staffing, and regular maintenance. Funding is expected to come from a mix of state and federal sources, including about $700 million from the federal infrastructure law over the past three years.
Economist Katie Berry says the plan anticipates about $120 million annually in state operating funds—assuming federal support holds steady.
Public comment is open until March 30. The plan will go before the Marine Highway Operations Board in April, then to the Legislature. It’s set to be reviewed every five years.
View the long range plan athttps://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/operations/2045_Long_Range_Plan.pdf
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #akleg #amhs #akferries #craigtornga #katieberry
Senate Bills Aim to Speed Up Health Care, Cut Construction Costs in Alaska
Senate Bills Aim to Speed Up Health Care, Cut Construction Costs in Alaska
Two insurance reform bills are moving through the Alaska Legislature, aiming to speed up health care access and reduce construction costs.
Senate Bills 132 and 133 are under review by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.
SB 133 targets delays in prior authorizations for medical treatments. The sponsor of both bills, Seward Senator Jesse Bjorkman, says Alaskans shouldn't wait "ridiculous" amounts of time for care.
The bill sets clear timeframes for insurer approvals, streamlines communication with providers, and establishes faster access to treatments for chronic conditions and late-stage cancer patients.
The committee also heard SB 132, a technical update to Alaska’s insurance laws. It’s designed to modernize the system, simplify taxes, and lower construction costs.
It includes fixes to previous legislation and is expected to add $110,000 to the state’s general fund without requiring new staff.
A hearing for SB 133 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30 p.m., with invited and public testimony. Both bills will head to Senate Finance next. Residents can testify via their local LIO.
Follow SB 132 at https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB%20132.
Follow SB 133 at https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=sb%20133
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #akleg #jessebjorkman #insurancereform
Alaska Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Protect Rights of Homeless Residents
Alaska Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Protect Rights of Homeless Residents
Nearly 100 homeless Alaskans have died on the streets of Anchorage in the past two years. Now, a state lawmaker is pushing for new protections.
Anchorage Democratic Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson has introduced a bill to affirm the rights of homeless Alaskans, including the right to shelter in public spaces, as long as they don’t obstruct traffic.
She says the measure would ensure that homeless individuals are not denied medical care, safe living conditions, or employment opportunities just because they’re unhoused.
The idea for the bill was first proposed by former homeless advocate TJ Beers, who last year urged lawmakers to pass a “homeless bill of rights.” Similar laws already exist in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Illinois.
Gray-Jackson, a former Anchorage Assembly member, says she doesn’t believe the bill would prevent the city from clearing encampments, but she hopes it will lead to more humane policies.
She says, quote, “We’re not going to solve homelessness, but we can mitigate it and make the situation better for all.”
Follow SB 119 at https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB%20119
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #akleg #akhomeless #elviegrayjackson #tjbeers
REAL ID Deadline Nears for Alaska Travelers and Federal Facility Access
REAL ID Deadline Nears for Alaska Travelers and Federal Facility Access
Alaska residents have until May 7, 2025, to obtain a REAL ID if they plan to fly commercially or enter federal facilities, including military bases.
According to the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), over 350,000 Alaskans—about 40-50% of eligible residents—have already upgraded their IDs.
REAL ID enforcement will be phased in, but military installations and federal buildings may deny entry without a compliant credential.
“We want everyone to understand that they may not be allowed access to U.S. military installations or federal buildings without a REAL ID credential,” said DMV Division Operations Manager Lauren Whiteside.
To upgrade, Alaskans must bring proof of identity and lawful status, a Social Security number, and proof of residential address. The DMV’s REAL ID checklist can be found athttps://dmv.alaska.gov/media/ozwhxz3e/ak-real-id-checklist.pdf
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #realid #akdmv #laurenwhiteside
Proposed Law Would Restrict Audio Recording in Alaska, Exempt Police Officers
Proposed Law Would Restrict Audio Recording in Alaska, Exempt Police Officers
A proposal from Gov. Mike Dunleavy would require all parties in a conversation to consent before it could be legally recorded, making it more difficult for Alaskans to document interactions.
Senate Bill 85 would replace the state's current one-party consent law, which allows a conversation to be recorded as long as one participant agrees.
If passed, Alaska would join states such as California, Florida, Delaware, and Illinois, which require all-party consent for recordings. However, police officers would be exempt, meaning they could still record interactions without consent, but members of the public could not do the same.
Critics in other states have warned that similar laws could hinder crime victims, journalists, and whistleblowers from collecting evidence. A similar bill in Arizona failed to pass in 2024 after facing opposition from police organizations and media groups.
Dunleavy defended the measure as a way to protect individual privacy rights, calling the secret recording of conversations an “unacceptable intrusion.”
Follow SB 85 at https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=sb%2085
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #mikedunleavy
State Report Assesses Water Quality in Alaska’s Rivers, Bays, and Harbors
State Report Assesses Water Quality in Alaska’s Rivers, Bays, and Harbors
Every two years, Alaska analyzes water quality data to determine whether its waterbodies meet Alaska Water Quality Standards. T
he findings, compiled in the Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, help the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) prioritize restoration, protect public health, and allocate grant funding.
The 2024 Integrated Report identifies impaired waterbodies, including Resurrection Bay, Seward Harbor, and Bear Creek, where contaminants such as copper, nickel, zinc, fecal coliform, and dissolved oxygen levels exceed water quality standards.
These assessments help guide restoration efforts and compliance with the Clean Water Act (Sections 305(b) and 303(d)).
The Resurrection River watershed, covering nearly 36,000 acres, includes 12 protected areas and is closely monitored for physical, chemical, and biological factors.
If a waterbody fails to meet EPA-approved standards, it is classified as impaired and may require restoration.
EPA How is my waterway? https://mywaterway.epa.gov/community/99664/overview
ADEC: https://dec.alaska.gov/water/water-quality/integrated-report/
AK integrated report https://integrated-report-adec.hub.arcgis.com/
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #AKwaterquality #ADEC #resurrectionbay #sewardharbor #resurrectionriver
Legislation Raising Age of Consent to 18
Legislation Raising Age of Consent to 18
A bill raising Alaska’s age of sexual consent from 16 to 18 is moving forward in the state legislature.
House Bill 101, sponsored by House Judiciary Chair Rep. Andrew Gray (D-Anchorage), passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and now heads to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
The bill aims to strengthen protections for minors against sexual abuse and trafficking while maintaining exemptions for close-in-age relationships.
It also expands legal safeguards for minors in cases of sexual assault, enticement, and exploitation.
“Alaska has a sexual assault rate three times the national average, and our young people are especially vulnerable,” Gray said. “The goal of HB 101 is to prevent predators from targeting 16- and 17-year-olds.”
Advocates, including Randi Breager of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis and Keeley Olson of Standing Together Against Rape, support the bill, emphasizing its role in preventing coercion and exploitation of minors.
Follow HB 101 at https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB%20101
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #akleg #andrewgray #sexualconsent
Lost Lake Run Named One of National Geographic’s ‘100 Runs of a Lifetime’
Lost Lake Run Named One of National Geographic’s ‘100 Runs of a Lifetime’
The Lost Lake Run, a 16-mile trail race outside of Seward that raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, has been named one of National Geographic’s “100 Runs of a Lifetime.”
The recognition was announced by race president Patrick Simpson.
The race takes runners along a U.S. Forest Service trail from Primrose Campground through alpine terrain to Bear Creek, offering breathtaking views and a tough but rewarding challenge.
Since its founding in 1992, the event has raised over $2 million to fight cystic fibrosis.
This year’s race, set for Aug. 23, is expected to reach its 750-runner capacity. Team registration is closed, lottery registration opens April 1.
“Being recognized by National Geographic is a tremendous honor,” said Simpson. “The Lost Lake Run has always been about more than the miles – it’s about community, perseverance, and hope.”
The race will be featured in National Geographic’s upcoming book, 100 Runs of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Races and Trails, set for release on April 15.
www.LostLakeRun.com.
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #lostlakerun #natgeo #patricksimpson. #usfs #cysticfibrosis
Alaska Governor Seeks More Power in Judicial Appointments
Alaska Governor Seeks More Power in Judicial Appointments
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is pushing to reshape how judges are selected in the state.
A proposed constitutional amendment would limit the role of the Alaska Judicial Council by requiring it to send every eligible judicial applicant to the governor, rather than a vetted shortlist.
If approved by the Legislature, the measure would go before voters in 2026—after Dunleavy leaves office.
The governor has long criticized the current process, which allows the Judicial Council, made up of public and attorney representatives, to screen and nominate candidates.
In 2019, Dunleavy missed a legal deadline to fill a judicial vacancy after voicing frustration with his choices, leading to an unsuccessful recall effort.
A push to amend the constitution over judicial selection gained traction in 2022, but voters rejected convening a constitutional convention.
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorene lorenz #sewardpublicradio #akleg #mikedunleavy #akjudicialcouncil
Executive Orders Could Bring Logging Back to the Chugach
Executive Orders Could Bring Logging Back to the Chugach
President Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at ramping up domestic timber production by rolling back environmental regulations on national forests.
Supporters argue the move will strengthen the U.S. timber industry and reduce reliance on imports, but conservation groups warn that it could lead to unchecked logging and ecological damage in forests across the country, including Alaska’s Chugach National Forest.
"Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber and Lumber," directs a federal investigation into whether imported timber and lumber pose a national security risk. If so, it could justify tariffs or other measures that would drive up demand for domestic logging.
"Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production," takes more immediate action, fast-tracking logging projects and reducing oversight under environmental laws like the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Alaska’s 5.4-million-acre Chugach National Forest, the nation’s second-largest national forest, has largely avoided industrial-scale logging since the early 2000s, when the U.S. Forest Service halted significant timber sales, but the new policies could reopen the door to large-scale commercial logging.
Chugach is 65 percent hemlock, 22 percent Sitka spruce, 11 percent white spruce, and 1 percent each of cottonwood and paper birch.
Critics argue that clearcutting and roadbuilding could disrupt fish and animal habitats and the Chugach’s scenic landscapes could be permanently altered, potentially reducing tourism revenue in the long term.
Proponents argue that with careful management, logging could coexist with conservation efforts and that increased thinning of forests could help reduce wildfire risks.
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #chugachforest #donaldtrump
Alaska Adopts Inclusive Marriage License Applications Amid Legal Uncertainty
Alaska Adopts Inclusive Marriage License Applications Amid Legal Uncertainty
Same-sex couples applying for marriage licenses in Alaska are now using gender-neutral forms, reflecting the recent court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics, which processes marriage licenses, updated its forms to replace “bride” and “groom” with “Party A” and “Party B.” Phillip Mitchell, head of the bureau, said the format was modeled after other states where same-sex marriage is legal, such as Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota.
Future revisions may allow applicants to identify as bride, groom, or spouse, giving couples a more personalized choice.
While the ruling allows same-sex marriages to proceed, the state is appealing the federal judge’s decision, leaving the future of the updated forms uncertain.
For now, same-sex couples can apply for licenses at Bureau of Vital Statistics offices in Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, or at local courts in other communities. After a three-day waiting period, they can receive their license and proceed with their wedding.
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #AKBVS #phillipmitchell #samesexmarriage
Staffing Cuts Threaten Alaskan Weather Forecasts and Safety
Staffing Cuts Threaten Alaskan Weather Forecasts and Safety
The National Weather Service in Alaska is facing a 10% staff reduction, severely impacting weather forecasting worldwide.
A union source reveals that at least 23 employees have left due to resignations, firings, and paperwork errors. This has left weather offices in Alaska struggling with a 30% vacancy rate.
Rick Thoman, a climatologist with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, warns that the loss of weather balloon data, crucial for global forecasting models, is already affecting weather predictions.
He notes that these models rely heavily on observations, including those from weather balloons, to maintain accuracy.
The staffing cuts have further led to indefinite suspensions of weather balloon launches in locations like Kotzebue, Nome, and Bethel, causing significant forecasting challenges.
Alaskan lawmakers, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, voice concerns over the cutbacks, highlighting the essential role of accurate forecasts for public safety and the economy. Murkowski stresses the need for federal action to prevent adverse consequences.
The conversation around this issue also touches on the potential privatization of the Weather Service, as proposed by Project 2025.
Thoman criticizes the move, pointing out the relatively low cost of current weather services, suggesting that privatization may not be economically viable.
Dorene Lorenz/Seward Public Radio/Juneau
#dorenelorenz #sewardpublicradio #nationalweatherservice #rickthoman #akcenterclimateassessmentpolicy #lisamurkowski #project2025
