Chugach Census Area
RSSNews from the Chugach Census Area, Alaska
Boyle files to challenge Holland in high-turnout South Anchorage House Seat.
South Anchorage comes out to vote. Holland and Boyle have until November to make their case.

Cordova Wireless challenges FCC broadband maps, says waterways and islands missing
Cordova Wireless told the FCC on May 22 that federal broadband funding maps exclude coastal waterways and islands where Alaskans work and travel, potentially cutting off support for over-water cell service residents depend on for safety.
Prince William Sound king salmon limits slashed to one fish
Alaska cut king salmon limits to one fish in most Prince William Sound waters to protect stocks with low productivity. • Terminal areas near Whittier, Cordova, Valdez, and Chenega keep two-fish daily limits. • Shrimp pot limits also reduced to two per person, season runs May 1 through June 8. • Anglers must buy 2026 sport fishing license and king stamp before fishing.

Cordova Council debates mill rate hike as school funding deadline nears
Cordova Council must choose by June 3 between raising property taxes or using federal funds for a $181,000 school budget increase. City Manager Sam proposed raising the mill rate to 12.07, costing homeowners about $404 more yearly. Council has $436,000 to $486,000 in available federal funding but debates if one-time money can reliably fund ongoing school costs.

Data center project promises rate relief amid public concerns over noise, power
Cryptocurrency data center would generate $2 million yearly and stabilize electric rates using existing power. • Residents worry about noise, fire safety, and power availability for future housing growth. • Company says facility quieter than old cannery equipment and willing to cut operations during peak demand.

Cordova Council approves $181,000 school funding increase, defers payment decision
Cordova Council approved $181,000 school funding increase, half the district's request. • Council delays payment decision until May 20, debating mill-rate increase. • District needs to split 36-student seventh grade class and hire math teacher. • Cordova High School ranked Alaska's top high school two consecutive years.

Cordova Planning Commission approves temporary RV for construction site
Cordova Planning Commission unanimously approved a temporary travel trailer to house construction workers at an industrial park lot for up to four or five months, with the trailer connecting to city water and sewer.

Cordova council weighs hazard plan tied to federal disaster funds
Cordova City Council voted on its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, required by FEMA to keep federal disaster and resilience funding. Without approval, the coastal city risks losing money for seawalls and flood protection.

Alaska DOT imposes four-tier weight limits on Northern Region roads
Alaska DOT limits truck weights on Northern Region roads starting May 21 due to spring thaw. • Restrictions range from 50 to 100 percent of legal axle load depending on road condition. • Major highways like Parks Highway stay at full weight, while rural roads drop to 50 percent. • Elliot and Dalton highways exempt from seasonal limits.
Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema Identifies Alaska as Prime AI Data Center Location
Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema told an Alaska energy conference the state is positioned to become a major AI data center hub, citing natural resources and cool climate as advantages.

Cordova Seeks Rock Extraction Deal to Fund New Public Safety Building
Cordova is seeking contractors to extract rock from city land and prepare it for a new Public Safety Building to replace the current facility in the tsunami zone. Proposals due June 8.
Senate panel advances Whittier land transfer bill without objection
Alaska Senate committee unanimously advanced a bill to transfer railroad land to Whittier for harbor expansion, housing, and business development.

Alaska House bill to ban polystyrene food containers moves to Senate
Alaska House Bill 25, which would ban polystyrene foam food containers statewide, advanced to the Senate after testimony Tuesday on cost versus pollution concerns.

Engine Trouble Strands Columbia Ferry at Whittier Dock for Four Hours
Engine trouble stranded the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Columbia at Whittier for four hours on May 5, delaying hundreds of passengers and dozens of vehicles headed to Prince William Sound.
Alaska Board Rejects 25% Hatchery Production Cut After Heated Debate
Alaska Board of Fisheries rejected a 25% hatchery production cut, voting 6-1 against the measure after debate over wild salmon impacts and coastal fishing jobs.

Fish and Game sets cleanup rules for herring pound structures
Fish and Game issued cleanup rules April 28 for herring pound structures in Prince William Sound, requiring commercial operators to remove them after harvest to prevent disease spread.

Valdez Fire Department Contains Late-Night House Fire on Gulkana Street
Valdez firefighters contained a house fire on Gulkana Street late April 27 with no injuries or damage to nearby homes.
Wild ice skating grows from isolated hobby to organized Alaska community
Wild ice skating has grown from solo hobby to organized Alaska community with nearly 12,700 members, drawing international media attention and spawning winter tours and equipment manufacturing.

Senate panel hears setnet cooperative bill, sets aside land transfer
Senate panel advanced a bill allowing setnet fishermen to work cooperatively, addressing enforcement conflicts, while postponing a land transfer proposal pending more details.

Senate Finance subcommittee recommends $1.17 billion university budget
Senate Finance subcommittee approved a $1.17 billion University of Alaska budget for fiscal year 2027, adding $2.25 million for student recruitment and employee raises.

Wild ice skating draws global attention as Alaska outdoor recreation scene grows
Wild ice skating has grown into an organized Alaska movement with nearly 12,700 club members, drawing global media attention and international visitors to natural ice formations across the state.

Senate panel advances fishing co-op bill with electronic monitoring
The Senate Resources Committee advanced a bill to legalize set gillnet cooperatives and mandate electronic monitoring on trawl vessels.

Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission Meets Tonight
Valdez Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight at 7 PM in City Hall to review permits, variances, and subdivisions as part of an ongoing zoning code update.