In this newscast: Alaska Seaplanes announced this week that it would be implementing a 6% temporary fuel surcharge on fares beginning Friday. The company cites a nearly 40% increase in fuel costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East; The City and Borough of Juneau plans to move into a new City Hall by the end of this year. That means the current building could be up for sale in the coming months; Voting begins Wednesday for University of Alaska staff across the state to decide on forming a union. The group is called the Coalition of Alaska University Employees for Equity; Climate change has caused winter in Alaska’s largest cities to warm more dramatically than other major cities across the U.S. But as KTOO’s Alix Soliman reports, this winter in Juneau doesn’t match the overall trend; The filing deadline for this year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend is March 31, and if Rep. Nick Begich III has his way, this year’s dividend will be tax free.
Clarise Larson
City Government Reporter, KTOO
"My mission is to hold Juneau’s elected officials accountable for their actions and how their decisions impact the lives of the people they represent. It’s rooted in the belief that an informed public has the power to make positive change."
When Clarise isn't working, you can find her skijoring with her dog, Bloon, or climbing up walls at the Rock Dump.
Alaska Seaplanes announces temporary fuel surcharge citing Iran War
Globally, jet fuel prices have surged following the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran, with increases exceeding 50% in many cases.
Juneau’s City Hall could be up for sale in the coming months
The Juneau Assembly moved forward with an ordinance that – if approved – would make the property located on Heritage Way in downtown Juneau available for purchase.
Juneau Assembly considers offering city winter warming shelter year-round
City officials say it would help address Juneau’s current lack of shelter space and housing units, and would reduce the number of unhoused people camping during the summer months.
Juneau’s recycling center will finally be back at full capacity after months of issues
The recycling center had been dealing with mechanical issues since late December, after Juneau was hit with back-to-back record-breaking snowstorms. In the interim, the city had asked residents to hold onto their recyclable material while it fixed the recycling baler.
City seeks public feedback for plan to improve Juneau’s road safety
The city is hosting three open house events this week to invite the public to learn more about its Safe Streets For All plan.