Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
AP stories, along with the photos that accompany them, can be obtained from http://www.apexchange.com. Reruns are also available from the Service Desk at 877-836-9477. The news editor in Anchorage is Mark Thiessen, 907-272-7549. The West Regional Desk can be reached at 602-417-2400.
A reminder: This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date. Some broadcast members may receive shorter versions of stories.
Alaska at 5:15 p.m.
ADDS: ALASKA EDUCATION; POSTAL WORKER-FRAUD
ALASKA PIPELINE
JUNEAU — The House Finance Committee late Thursday night did a relatively light rewrite of a bill aimed at advancing a major liquefied natural gas project, setting the stage for committee debate Friday and a floor vote in the waning days of the session. Amendments approved by the committee include having proposed contracts provide a way for allocating infrastructure costs between the state and project parties to ensure those costs are shared, not borne wholly by the state. Project agreements also would have to include a means by which gas would be made available should in-state demand increase but the state's gas and producers' gas is committed elsewhere. Intent language was also added, calling for the hiring of qualified Alaska workers for engineering, construction, maintenance and other project-related jobs. By Becky Bohrer. SENT: 680 words early Friday morning. Story will be updated.
ALASKA EDUCATION
JUNEAU — The Senate Finance Committee has overhauled a broad-ranging education bill, opting to provide additional aid to districts outside the per-pupil funding formula known as the base student allocation. Committee co-chair Kevin Meyer said the bill will provide more choices in education and incentivize districts to do things differently. By Becky Bohrer. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: 600 words by 6:30 p.m.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-LODGING
JUNEAU — The Alaska Senate passed a bill Friday that would designate an historic house in downtown Juneau as the official residence of the state's lieutenant governor. The amendment, from Sen. Dennis Egan, D-Juneau, was accepted during debate on HB246, a bill that would add land to Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks. By Becky Bohrer. SENT: 385 words.
LEGISLATURE
Also monitoring committee, floor sessions, stories on merits.
COAST GUARD SHOOTINGS
ANCHORAGE — An inmate known as "Eyeball" will not be taking the stand for the defense in a Kodiak Coast Guard double homicide case — at least for now — after a judge ruled Friday there's no proven connection between him and the case. Jason Barnum, 38, got his nickname from a tattoo that darkened the white of his right eye. His face is also heavily tattooed, including one that traces some of the outlines of his skull. By Dan Joling. SENT: 540 words, file photo.
KEYSTONE PIPELINE
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is extending indefinitely its review of the Keystone XL pipeline, the State Department said Friday, likely punting the decision over the controversial oil pipeline past the midterm elections. In a surprise announcement as Washington was winding down for Easter, the State Department said federal agencies will have more time to weigh in on the politically fraught decision — but declined to say how much longer. Officials said the decision will have to wait for the dust to settle in Nebraska, where a judge in February overturned a state law that allowed the pipeline's path through the state. By Josh Lederman And Dina Cappiello. SENT: 990 words, photos. Alaska mention, interest.
FROM AP MEMBERS:
DENALI-PARK ROAD
FAIRBANKS — In a sure sign of spring, and a perk to those living in Alaska, the only road into Denali National Park and Preserve was opened Friday to Mile 30. Officials say weather permitting, the road will remain open to that mile marker until May 20, when tour buses begin running for the summer. After that date, normal rules will apply, meaning the road will be closed to private vehicular traffic at Mile 15. SENT: 320 words.
ALASKA PLANE CRASH
ANCHORAGE — A small commercial plane was flying at about 3,400 feet when it crashed near Bethel, killing the two pilots on board, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators still don't know what caused the Cessna 208 operated by Hageland Aviation to go down on April 8 during a training flight, KYUK reported Thursday. SENT: 300 words.
DISTILLERIES-DIRECT SALES
JUNEAU — The five craft distilleries in Alaska can start promoting themselves as tourism destinations after legislative action this week. The Alaska Legislature has approved a bill that will treat the distilleries more like breweries, meaning they will be able to offer samples and sell directly to customers. SENT: 200 words.
IN BRIEF:
— POSTAL WORKER-FRAUD — A former U.S. Postal Service employee in Anchorage was arraigned Friday on charges he accepted at least $334,000 in disability and worker's comp payments while he spent his summers fishing.
— BROOKS RANGE-QUAKE — A moderate earthquake was recorded Friday morning in Alaska above the Arctic Circle, and was followed by an aftershock almost as powerful.
— YAKUTAT-COLD CASE — The state won't seek a retrial on a first-degree murder charge for a man accused of killing his girlfriend in Yakutat in 1996.
— HATCHER PASS-SNOWMOBILES — Alaska parks officials say Hatcher Pass is closing to snowmobile use because of warming weather.
The AP-Anchorage
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
