November Issue 3 2011

Anchorage signs agreement on port expansion oversight

The municipality of Anchorage and the Port of Anchorage have signed a new memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Maritime Administration that transfers construction management and procurement on the port’s massive expansion project from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration to the municipality and the port.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Minerals industry spending jumped in 2010, state report says

Alaska miners crowded into the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel the week of Nov. 7 for the annual Alaska Miners Association convention. It was a record-breaking attendance that may have neared 1,000 people in and out of the meeting over three days of the main conference, held Nov. 9 through Nov. 11.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Second jack-up rig to explore in Cook Inlet by next April

There will be a second jack-up rig exploring for oil and gas in Cook Inlet by next April, this one owned about one-third by the state of Alaska.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Work on gas bullet line continues, officials say

Engineering and planning for a 24-inch natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska by a state of Alaska corporation is continuing for now, despite new gas discoveries in Cook Inlet.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Dec. lease is first test for state’s effort to promote resources

State resources commissioner Dan Sullivan is picking up the drumbeat to promote the state’s upcoming December oil and gas lease sale on the North Slope.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Oil hits $100 on supply fears and higher demand

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices hit $100 per barrel for the first time in nearly four months as U.S. supplies dropped, and a pipeline deal promised to cut them further.

By Chris Kahn, AP Energy Writer

Oil boom raises rents in ND, pushes seniors out

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — After living all of her 82 years in the same community, Lois Sinness left her hometown this month, crying and towing a U-Haul packed with her every possession.

By James MacPherson, Associated Press

USF cuts could curb rural Alaska investment by telcos

Alaska telecoms will have to evaluate their investment plans for expanding networks into rural areas after the Federal Communications Commission approved a plan to reduce high-cost support from the Universal Service Fund.

By Andrew Jensen, Alaska Journal of Commerce

CH2M Hill signs contract to support NSF Arctic research

CH2M Hill has entered into its third consecutive contract to support National Science Foundation-sponsored research in the Arctic. The new $325 million, eight-year contract indicates that interest in the Arctic is definitely growing.

By Jonathan Grass, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Alaska officials pan endangered species law

ANCHORAGE (AP) — The endangered species law is being used to gain control over landscapes and seascapes rather than to protect species, according to the Alaska wildlife official who works on state responses to federal species listings.

By Dan Joling, Associated Press

Honoring WWII Army Airmen

Government should extend funding on forest projects

The federal government should support roads and schools located in national forests.

By the Ketchikan Daily News

Companies can have a great and cheap holiday party

NEW YORK (AP) — If there isn’t enough money in your budget to hold a big holiday party for your small business, start thinking like an entrepreneur. In other words, get creative, and think of ways to put on a party that you can afford.

By Joyce M. Rosenberg, AP Business Writer

Kodiak Coast Guardsmen cheer their TV debut

KODIAK (AP) — The Weather Channel received what may have been its first barroom round of applause Nov. 9, as “Coast Guard: Alaska” made its TV debut in front of an appreciative crowd at the Golden Anchor.

By James Brooks, Kodiak Daily Mirror

Bulletins 11/20/11

Top fishing ports shuffle ranks in 2011, Kodiak tops in halibut

There is some notable shuffling going on among Alaska’s fisheries this year, with Southeast besting Bristol Bay as the state’s top salmon region, and Kodiak toppling Homer as the No. 1 halibut port. For halibut: Homer has held the top ranking for halibut landings ever since the fishery went to individual fishing quota management in 1995, and deliveries extended from a few days to eight months.

By Laine Welch, For the Journal