Legislative Council approves up to $66,000 for new Alaska House SUV

The Legislative Council voted 8-0 Oct. 28 to let the Legislative Affairs Agency spend up to $66,000 in capital funds on a new SUV, key fobs and minor costs. The purchase replaces the Alaska House's 15-year-old vehicle in Juneau.

That vehicle, used for operations and passenger transportation, has rising maintenance costs, Procurement Officer JC Kestel wrote in a memo to council chair Rep. Sara Hannan. House Rules requested the replacement to avoid repairs and session disruptions, and it will control the vehicle.

Kestel recommended Juneau Auto Mall's quote, the lowest of four from Alaska and Lower 48 dealers, at $64,499 for a 2025 Jeep Wagoneer already in Juneau. Kendall Ford of Anchorage quoted $64,920, Anchorage Chrysler Center quoted $66,213 and National Auto Fleet quoted $66,256.78 for a vehicle shipped from Seattle. Other dealers estimated four to six months for delivery.

Rules chair Rep. Louise Stutes said the House van broke down again. Kestel told Sen. Löki Tobin an electric vehicle was not considered.