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

The Alaska Legislative Council voted 8-0 on Wednesday to let the Legislative Affairs Agency spend up to $66,000 on a new SUV for the state House, replacing a 15-year-old vehicle that has been costing more to maintain.

The House uses the vehicle for operations and to carry passengers in Juneau. House Rules asked for the replacement to avoid more repairs and transportation disruptions during session, and it will control the new one, Procurement Officer JC Kestel wrote in a memo to the council. The money comes from available capital funds and also covers extra key fobs and minor costs.

The agency got four quotes from dealers in Alaska and the Lower 48. Kestel recommended the lowest, $64,499 from Juneau Auto Mall for a 2025 Jeep Wagoneer already on the lot in Juneau. The other quotes ran from $64,920 to about $66,257, and those dealers estimated four to six months for delivery.

At the meeting, House Rules Chair Rep. Louise Stutes said the House van had broken down again. Kestel told Sen. Löki Tobin the agency did not consider an electric vehicle.