State announces proposed agreement on Klutina Lake Road and Historic Gulkana Village site July 17, 2017 The State of Alaska announced today that it is seeking public comment on a proposed settlement with Ahtna, Inc. regarding public access along Klutina Lake Road and to the Gulkana River near the Historic Gulkana Village. The public will have several opportunities to provide written or oral comments before the August 30 deadline. Read more
Governor Walker Commends Legislature for Ending Cashable Oil Tax Credits July 17, 2017 Governor Bill Walker tonight reacted positively towards the passage of House Bill 111 on the final day of the Second Special Session of the 30th Alaska Legislature. HB 111 was the only bill remaining on the second special session call for lawmakers to address. Read more
Governor Walker Reacts to Downgrade of Alaska’s Credit Rating July 14, 2017 Governor Bill Walker reacted to Moody’s announcement yesterday evening that Alaska’s credit rating has been downgraded to “Aa3” and remains on negative credit watch. The report cites “the large structural imbalance that the state has still not rectified, and the ongoing spending of the state’s reserves”. It also warns that, “as the state’s reserves diminish, its options to close the budget gap narrow and the consequences should it fail to do so intensify”. Read more
Governor Walker Donates Portion of Salary to Support Safer Alaska Opioid Response Effort July 12, 2017 As a part of continuing work to build a Safer Alaska, Governor Bill Walker on Sunday donated $11,000 of his salary to support the Wasilla Police Department’s fundraiser for a new drug detection K9. In April, the department’s only drug detection K9, Marshal, was euthanized after a veterinarian found inoperable, cancerous masses in his abdomen. Read more
Alaska to Receive $322 Million in Federal Funds to Lower Health Insurance Premiums July 11, 2017 Governor Bill Walker announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Alaska’s State Innovation Waiver. The waiver stabilizes Alaska’s individual health insurance market, bringing in approximately $322 million to the Alaska Reinsurance Program over the next five years. Read more