Author: Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska

Tug and barge owner to pay $2.2 million in B.C. fuel spill

The Heiltsuk Nation sued last year alleging the diesel spill destroyed its clam fishery. Kirby Corporation says it regrets the incident and has taken steps to avoid another mishap.

Forest Service chief makes quiet visit to Tongass National Forest

Senator Lisa Murkowski recently hosted the U.S. Forest Service’s top official in a low profile visit to Wrangell, Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island. The delegation met with tribes and talked ‘Roadless Rule’ with the local timber industry.

AIDEA approves loan fund for Alaska shipyards

AIDEA will create a $10 million loan fund over three years to offer bridge financing for vessel owners willing to do work in-state. The AK SHIP plan was developed with input from Vigor Alaska which operates the Ketchikan shipyard.

Cost-cutting will take Alaska’s flagship ferry out of service

The M/V Columbia will be tied up for at least the fall and winter months. Its future remains uncertain given drastic budget cuts to the state ferry system.

Alaska considers $10 million loan fund to prop up Ketchikan’s shipyard

AIDEA is mulling a $10 million revolving fund to incentivize work at a state-owned shipyard. The shipyard’s operator Vigor Alaska says cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System adds uncertainty to its operations in Ketchikan.