Time could be running out for the fast ferry Fairweather. It’s been plagued with engine problems, which are the subject of a lawsuit against the ship’s builder. Captain John Falvey told the Marine Transportation Advisory Board today (Friday) that approval to use the engines runs out this April.
Alaska
Metlakatla fisheries certified as sustainable
Metlakatla’s fisheries have been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. That should help the southern Southeast community maintain salmon sales overseas. Officials say it’s the first tribal fishery to earn the certification.
Bill signing expands Southeast State Forest
The state is setting aside more of its land for logging. Governor Sean Parnell today (Sept. 7th) signed a bill adding 23,000 acres to the Southeast State Forest. The measure nearly doubles the size of the forest, which was created in 2010. The forest is spread out, rather than in one concentrated area. The new…
Southeast cruise line plans 2012 expansion
Sitka’s home-grown cruise company has wrapped up its first season. And it’s already planning to expand, with sailings to southern Southeast starting next year. Several other small lines also plan to increase capacity in 2012. Allen Marine has offered whale-watching and other day tours for years. They’ve been popular with independent and cruise-ship tourists stopping…
Groups celebrate stream restoration
Government and nonprofit groups gathered on Prince of Wales Island recently to celebrate a pair of restoration projects. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Forest Service worked together on the Harris River and Fubar Creek. Both were damaged by logging in past decades. Randy Hagenstein of The Nature Conservancy says loggers removed fallen…
JEDC helps southeast start ups with gap financing
The Juneau Economic Development Council has taken its show on the road. Its operations director, Margaret O’Neal, was in Sitka this week to talk to local entrepreneurs and offer advice on starting up a business. The council does what it calls “gap financing” – putting up the money to help startup businesses. O’Neal gave a…