Skagway leaders continue to work on a 15-year tidelands lease that would prolong a private company’s control of the waterfront. Residents will get a chance to weigh in through a public vote. But the Assembly is now talking about scheduling a special election later in the year, instead of rushing to meet deadlines for the Oct. 3 general election.
Tourism
Nearly 30 people hurt in Skagway tour accident
Nearly 30 people were injured Wednesday on a tour in Skagway. According to a news release from the city, a Unimog touring vehicle went off the road at the Alaska Excursions Dog Camp about 11 a.m.
Necropsy planned for humpback hit by cruise ship
A Princess Cruise Lines ship traveling through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage hit a humpback whale that became lodged on the front bulbous bow. The whale was removed after the Grand Princess docked in downtown Ketchikan Wednesday morning, and the dead animal was towed to a nearby beach.
State capital budget funds some Southeast projects
Among the funded projects are replacement floats for a harbor in Wrangell, cruise ship dock improvements in Ketchikan and Hoonah and renovation of the headquarters for the Alaska Permanent Fund in Juneau.
Family friend of slain Alaska cruise ship passenger fundraises for victim’s daughters
A family friend and neighbor of the Utah woman who was killed aboard a cruise ship off Alaska’s coast last week is raising money for her three daughters. He said the family appeared happy, and that he’s trying to help the children with a GoFundMe campaign.
Juneau’s whale park named for Bill Overstreet
The whale sculpture and fountain on Juneau’s waterfront will be named Mayor Bill Overstreet Park. The Assembly has also decided to authorize more work for contractor Admiralty Construction which is finishing the third and final phase.