December Issue 5 2012

Shell, Coast Guard develop salvage plan for grounded Kulluk rig

U.S. Coast Guard and Shell officials say a salvage plan for the grounded Shell rig Kulluk is being developed and some details are to be released Thursday.

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Derelict ship causes ammonia scare

A derelict fish processing ship caused an ammonia scare in Kodiak when two crewmembers living onboard the vessel reported a leak.

Associated Press

Oil prices steady as budget deal cheers fade

The price of oil was little changed Thursday as euphoria over a U.S. budget deal cooled and traders focused on bulging crude supplies and lackluster demand.

Associated Press

Senator plans bill aimed at service member PFDs

An Anchorage senator said Wednesday he plans to introduce legislation allowing active-duty military members who have maintained residency while living outside Alaska for more than 10 years to remain eligible for Permanent Fund dividends.

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

Feds, Transocean reach $1.4B deal over Gulf spill

The Justice Department has reached a $1.4 billion settlement with Transocean Ltd., the owner of the drilling rig that sank after an explosion killed 11 workers and spawned the massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press

Fiscal-cliff deal no recipe for a robust economy

Housing is rebounding. Families are shrinking debts. Europe has avoided a financial crackup. And the fiscal cliff deal has removed the most urgent threat to the U.S. economy.

CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER and PAUL WISEMAN, AP Economics Writers

Autism bill, other measures set to take effect

One of the new laws set to take effect in Alaska will require health insurance policies to cover treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

Storm impedes salvage of grounded drilling ship

High seas and strong winds prevented crews from boarding an oil drilling ship to check for any damage after the large vessel went aground off an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Alaska.

MARY PEMBERTON, Associated Press

'Cliff' deal sends stocks up, but problems lurk

The "fiscal cliff" compromise, for all its chaos, controversy and unresolved questions, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year.

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

Despite deal, taxes to rise for most Americans

While the tax package that Congress passed New Year's Day will protect 99 percent of Americans from an income tax increase, most of them will still end up paying more federal taxes in 2013.

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press

Stocks turn up on hints of 'fiscal cliff' deal

On Monday, the stock market was as choppy as the "fiscal cliff" deal-making that has been yanking it around.

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

AP Sources: 'Fiscal cliff' deal emerging

The contours of a deal to avert the 'fiscal cliff' emerged Monday, with Democrats and Republicans agreeing to raise tax rates on family income over $450,000 a year, increase the estate tax rate and extend unemployment benefits for one year, officials familiar with the negotiations said.

JULIE PACE and BEN FELLER, Associated Press

Alaskan Kikkan Randall wins Tour de Ski prologue

Kikkan Randall of the United States claimed her second cross-country World Cup victory of the season when she won the prologue event of the Tour de Ski on Saturday.

Associated Press

2 tow lines again secured to Shell drill ship

Tow lines are again secured to a Royal Dutch Shell drill ship that was adrift in the Gulf of Alaska.

Associated Press

Trains carrying more oil across US amid boom

Energy companies behind the oil boom on the Northern Plains are increasingly turning to an industrial-age workhorse — the locomotive — to move their crude to refineries across the U.S., as plans for new pipelines stall and existing lines can't keep up with demand.

MATTHEW BROWN and JOSH FUNK, Associated Press

High court orders redistricting plan be redrawn

A divided Alaska Supreme Court has ordered the state's redistricting plan be redrawn for the 2014 elections.

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

Gas drilling companies work on community relations

Some gas drilling companies that spent years fighting, threatening and suing reluctant communities took a new tack in 2012: collaboration.

Associated Press

Putin signs anti-US adoptions bill

President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a law banning Americans from adopting Russian children, abruptly terminating the prospects for more than 50 youngsters preparing to join new families and sparking critics to liken him to King Herod.

JIM HEINTZ, Associated Press

Coast Guard investigates Arctic drill ship

One of two drill ships used by Royal Dutch Shell PLC for Arctic drilling off Alaska's coast is under investigation for problems with crew safety and pollution control equipment, the Coast Guard said Thursday.

DAN JOLING, Associated Press

Fewer US banks failing as industry strengthens

U.S. banks are ending the year with their best profits since 2006 and fewer failures than at any time since the financial crisis struck in 2008. They're helping support an economy slowed by high unemployment, flat pay, sluggish manufacturing and anxious consumers.

MARCY GORDON, AP Business Writer

Inaugural sled dog race begins

Four-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey was among 23 competitors heading to Eagle Thursday in a new sled dog race that pays tribute to an Eagle Village tribal chief who died earlier this year.

Government moves will steer construction, real estate business in 2013

Players in Alaska’s construction and real estate industries have positive outlooks for 2013 despite some funding and regulatory uncertainty.

ELWOOD BREHMER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

Kodiak shipyard losing money; higher rates appear likely

KODIAK — Higher rates appear likely for users of Kodiak’s city-owned shipyard because it continues to lose money.

Additional cruise ships, airline capacity coming in 2013

The tourism outlook for Alaska appears positive, for 2013 anyway.

ELWOOD BREHMER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

Government moves will steer construction, real estate business in 2013

Players in Alaska’s construction and real estate industries have positive outlooks for 2013 despite some funding and regulatory uncertainty.

ELWOOD BREHMER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

Shell, Coast Guard develop salvage plan for grounded Kulluk rig

U.S. Coast Guard and Shell officials say a salvage plan for the grounded Shell rig Kulluk is being developed and some details are to be released Thursday.

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Storm impedes salvage of grounded drilling ship

High seas and strong winds prevented crews from boarding an oil drilling ship to check for any damage after the large vessel went aground off an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Alaska.

MARY PEMBERTON, Associated Press

2 tow lines again secured to Shell drill ship

Tow lines are again secured to a Royal Dutch Shell drill ship that was adrift in the Gulf of Alaska.

Associated Press

Trains carrying more oil across US amid boom

Energy companies behind the oil boom on the Northern Plains are increasingly turning to an industrial-age workhorse — the locomotive — to move their crude to refineries across the U.S., as plans for new pipelines stall and existing lines can't keep up with demand.

MATTHEW BROWN and JOSH FUNK, Associated Press

Gas drilling companies work on community relations

Some gas drilling companies that spent years fighting, threatening and suing reluctant communities took a new tack in 2012: collaboration.

Associated Press

Coast Guard investigates Arctic drill ship

One of two drill ships used by Royal Dutch Shell PLC for Arctic drilling off Alaska's coast is under investigation for problems with crew safety and pollution control equipment, the Coast Guard said Thursday.

DAN JOLING, Associated Press

Pivotal year ahead for oil and gas

The year 2013 could be pivotal for Alaska’s oil and gas industry.

TIM BRADNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

COMMENTARY: Shell’s Arctic effort can stem production decline

In 2002 a gallon of regular gasoline cost U.S. consumers $1.44.

MARY ANN PEASE, GUEST COMMENTARY

Japanese firm starts work on Alaska LNG plant feasibility

A Japanese company, Resources Energy Inc. has initiated a feasibility study of an independently-owned liquefied natural gas export project in Southcentral Alaska.

TIM BRADNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

Alaska Wireless Network, Verizon entry to shape telecom

The Alaska telecommunications market will see some major changes in 2013.

MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

Autism bill, other measures set to take effect

One of the new laws set to take effect in Alaska will require health insurance policies to cover treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

High court orders redistricting plan be redrawn

A divided Alaska Supreme Court has ordered the state's redistricting plan be redrawn for the 2014 elections.

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

Despite deal, taxes to rise for most Americans

While the tax package that Congress passed New Year's Day will protect 99 percent of Americans from an income tax increase, most of them will still end up paying more federal taxes in 2013.

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press

Stocks turn up on hints of 'fiscal cliff' deal

On Monday, the stock market was as choppy as the "fiscal cliff" deal-making that has been yanking it around.

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

AP Sources: 'Fiscal cliff' deal emerging

The contours of a deal to avert the 'fiscal cliff' emerged Monday, with Democrats and Republicans agreeing to raise tax rates on family income over $450,000 a year, increase the estate tax rate and extend unemployment benefits for one year, officials familiar with the negotiations said.

JULIE PACE and BEN FELLER, Associated Press

'Cliff' deal sends stocks up, but problems lurk

The "fiscal cliff" compromise, for all its chaos, controversy and unresolved questions, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year.

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

Despite deal, taxes to rise for most Americans

While the tax package that Congress passed New Year's Day will protect 99 percent of Americans from an income tax increase, most of them will still end up paying more federal taxes in 2013.

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press

Stocks turn up on hints of 'fiscal cliff' deal

On Monday, the stock market was as choppy as the "fiscal cliff" deal-making that has been yanking it around.

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

Fewer US banks failing as industry strengthens

U.S. banks are ending the year with their best profits since 2006 and fewer failures than at any time since the financial crisis struck in 2008. They're helping support an economy slowed by high unemployment, flat pay, sluggish manufacturing and anxious consumers.

MARCY GORDON, AP Business Writer

COMMENTARY: Shell’s Arctic effort can stem production decline

In 2002 a gallon of regular gasoline cost U.S. consumers $1.44.

MARY ANN PEASE, GUEST COMMENTARY

FISH FACTOR: Seafood contest underway; assessment out for modified salmon

Alaska’s Symphony of Seafood will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year and the call is out for new entries to be introduced in the annual competition.

LAINE WELCH, FOR THE JOURNAL

Alaskan Kikkan Randall wins Tour de Ski prologue

Kikkan Randall of the United States claimed her second cross-country World Cup victory of the season when she won the prologue event of the Tour de Ski on Saturday.

Associated Press

Mush!

Movers & Shakers 12/30/12

BULLETINS 12/30/12

Treadwell certifies proposed initiative on mining, $5M allotted to rural energy projects, Kodiak tanner crab on sale...

From Interior to Southeast, Alaska mining a bright spot

If there is one industry doing well in Alaska it is mining, and 2013 looks to be a repeat, and possibly better, than 2012.

TIM BRADNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

Lawmakers seek to rekindle mining reform efforts

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — While the U.S. government reaps billions of dollars in royalties each year from fossil fuels extracted from federal lands and waters, it does not collect any such royalties from gold, uranium or other metals mined from the same places, congressional auditors reported Dec. 12.

JASON DEAREN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chinese fund backs group exploring 2 Alaska sites

KETCHIKAN (AP) — Heatherdale Resources, the company exploring for copper, gold, zinc and silver at the Niblack Project site on Prince of Wales Island, has reached a $3 million financing deal with a fund representing Chinese investors.

SCOTT BOWLEN, KETCHIKAN DAILY NEWS

Mixed outlook for fish stocks, new regs

Alaska’s fisheries are in for a mixed year in 2013, if current management expectations hold true.

MOLLY DISCHNER, ALASKA JOURNAL OF COMMERCE

Putin signs anti-US adoptions bill

President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a law banning Americans from adopting Russian children, abruptly terminating the prospects for more than 50 youngsters preparing to join new families and sparking critics to liken him to King Herod.

JIM HEINTZ, Associated Press

Inaugural sled dog race begins

Four-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey was among 23 competitors heading to Eagle Thursday in a new sled dog race that pays tribute to an Eagle Village tribal chief who died earlier this year.