No major cuts made in state capital budget
There were no changes in the state capital budget that was released Tuesday by Governor Sean Parnell’s office. A total of $2.26 billion dollars was set aside for local projects for next year’s budget.
Projects in House District 6 will cost a total of $55.5 million. Six Valdez projects are included is the budget. The most notable is the Valdez Small Boat Harbor project is in line for $1 million. As far as regional projects, Copper Valley Electric Association is getting over $4 million for its Allison Creek project.
Over $73 million will be allocated for projects in House District 39. The Copper River Valley project receiving the most money is the Copper River Native Association’s regional multidisciplinary combined facility. The project is scheduled to receive $2 million.
House District 35 is in line for over $56 million. Four Whittier projects made the list. Two-point-five million dollars is going toward maintenance and operations for the Whittier Tunnel. Cordova is receiving one million dollars toward the construction of its Community Center.
For a more detailed look at project in the Prince William Sound and the Copper River Valley for to the links below:House District 6
House District 35
House District 39
21st Last Frontier Theater Conference is off and running
It's that time of the year. Playwrights, actors, and readers have convened in Valdez this week for the Last Frontier Theater Conference. KCHU's Tony Gorman has more on the event.
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Copper River salmon run is slow out the gate
This year's Copper River salmon run is off to a slow start. As Tony Gorman reports, weather and low participation factored into the low harvest numbers.
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Copper River salmon arrives in Seattle
The first shipment of Copper River salmon has arrived in Seattle. The Alaska Airlines plane carrying the shipment came into Sea-Tac Airport this morning with kings and sockeyes from Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Trident Seafoods, and Copper River Seasfoods. Four more Alaska Airlines flights are scheduled to make shipments from Cordova to Seattle.
The Copper Chef Cook-off will also takes place. Seattle’s top chef will have 30 minutes to create the best salmon recipe. Among the competitors this year is three-time defending champion Pat Donahue. The winner will be announced later today.
Loaded handgun forces lockdown on Valdez City School District
A firearm found in a Valdez school, today, forced every school in the Valdez City School District on lock down. As KCHU’s Tony Gorman reports, the Valdez Police Department is investigating as to how the weapon ended up in the school.
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Copper River sockeyes poised for strong run for 2013 commercial season
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is projecting a strong run for Copper River sockeyes this season, while kings are expected to be down for the second consecutive year. KCHU’s Tony Gorman has this preview of the 2013 Copper River commercial salmon season which begins Thursday.
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Copper River School District moves forward with Copper Center School closing
The oldest school in the Copper River School District is officially closing down. The Copper River School Board voted unanimously this week to shutdown the Copper Center School due to low enrollment. As KCHU’s Tony Gorman reports, the District is seeking approval from the Alaska Department of Education to move forward with its closure plan.
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Snelders and Keller named to Alaska State Swim Team
Two members of the Valdez Torpedoes Swim Club are going from swimming in the Alaska cold to swimming in the California sunshine. Gretchen Snelders and Grace Keller’s performances from the Alaska Junior Olympics, two weeks ago, have earned spots on the Alaska State Team.
“It a big deal,” Valdez Torpedoes coach Leo Overduyn said. “We’re lucky that we have two recipients from a small community the size of Valdez. It’s a great honor for the kids.”
Swimmers are selected for based on their performances in every event they competed. The top 30 swimmers in the state are selected for the team with four from each age group. Snelders is in the 10 & under group. Keller is in the 11 & 12 age group.
The team will compete against teams in the Western Zone. The zone includes Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Montana, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Overduyn, who has previously coached the Utah State Team at the event, knows how big of an opportunity his swimmers have. “It’s an outstanding opportunity for them to swim,” Overduyn said. “They get to see the big picture of that. “
If the swimmers do well, they have the possibility of qualifying for the U.S. Junior National Championships. The Western Zone Championships takes place August 7th-10th in Roseville, California.
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Desorcie joins Rep. Feige's staff
A familiar face will be dealing with Valdez issues for District 6 Representative Eric Feige. Former Prince William Sound Community College president Doug Desorcie recently joined the Chickaloon Republican’s staff and will handle issues in Valdez and along the Richardson Highway south of the Klutina River.
Desorcie has been a resident of Valdez since 1992. He held various positions at P-Dub before becoming president in 2006. He was dismissed from his position last year. Desorcie was recently replaced by Jacob Ng of the Perralta Community College District in California.
Valdez City Council approves Valdez City School District bugdet
The Valdez City Council unanimously approved $9.4 million in funding for the Valdez City School District. KCHU's Tony Gorman reports.
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