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Citizen Portal News Alaska
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The Kenai City Council has made significant strides by approving three crucial resolutions, including a $200,000 investment in local infrastructure and essential upgrades to city facilities.

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #CommunityDevelopment #KenaiFisheries
Votes at a glance: Council adopts three resolutions including architectural services and fisheries allocation
At its Dec. 3 meeting the Kenai City Council adopted three resolutions by unanimous consent: (1) Resolution 2025-67 authorizing a $200,000 quitclaim deed for Wildwood Drive right-of-way; (2) Resolution 2025-68 adopting an allocation method for the FY2026 fisheries business tax; and (3) Resolution 2025-69 awarding an architectural services contract for multiple municipal projects.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 1:44 AM
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The Kenai City Council just took a significant step towards improving Wildwood Drive by approving a $200,000 quitclaim deed to secure vital right-of-way for a much-needed rehabilitation project.

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #CivicTransparency #KenaiRightOfWay
Kenai council authorizes $200,000 quitclaim deed to acquire Wildwood Drive right-of-way to enable state paving
The council approved Resolution 2025-67 authorizing a $200,000 quitclaim deed with the Kenai Native Association to secure the Wildwood Drive right-of-way; staff said the acquisition is necessary so the state DOT can include Wildwood paving in a Spur Highway project next summer.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 1:41 AM
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A new transit service has just launched on the Central Peninsula, promising convenient routes and affordable fares, with plans for expansion already in the works!

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #RuralMobility #CommunityOutreach #PublicTransportation #KenaiTransit #CitizenPortal
Tribal transit service launches route across Central Peninsula; fares, stops and paratransit laid out
Kenaitse-run transit launched service serving Nikiski–Sterling via Kenai with one route initially, four Gillig buses and fares starting at $5; managers said funding includes two FTA grants and formula funding will sustain operations beyond the grants.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 1:38 AM
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The nearly mile-long bluff-stabilization berm along the Kenai River is complete, but the real challenge begins as engineers stress the importance of monitoring and vegetation to ensure its long-term success.

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #VegetationEstablishment
Engineers report Kenai bluff-stabilization construction complete; monitoring and vegetation critical next steps
HDR engineering told the Kenai City Council the bluff-stabilization berm built with the Army Corps and Western Marine Construction is complete (marked Oct. 11), placing roughly 62,500 cubic yards of rock across about 4,700 linear feet; engineers recommended monitoring and vegetation establishment as the primary next steps.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 12:52 AM
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The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is taking big steps to explore lease options for the 2 Rivers building, potentially opening doors for charter schools in the coming years!

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#AK #CitizenPortal #FairbanksSchools #CivicAccountability #CommunityParticipation
School board directs administration to explore lease and costs for 2 Rivers building amid charter interest
During a Dec. 1 work session the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District heard a letter of intent from the 2 Rivers charter APC and directed administration to explore lease terms, financial modeling (1–5 years), and options that would retain or remove the BEST satellite hub, while noting district charters hold a statutory right of first refusal.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 11:31 PM
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The Fairbanks School Board is facing heated debates over library materials, with parents demanding more transparency and restrictions on explicit content.

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#AK #LibraryMaterials #CitizenPortal #AlaskaSchools #ParentalTransparency #EducationPolicy
Board advances Article 6 (instruction) after heated public hearing on library materials
The board approved first reading and advanced Article 6 (BP 6114 and BP 6161.1–6190) to a second reading after a public hearing in which citizens sharply criticized allegedly explicit library materials and called for greater transparency and opt‑in controls.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 4:41 AM
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Kenai Airport faces a critical decision as self-service fueling might vanish, putting pressure on pilots and emergency operations alike.

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureUpgrade #KenaiAirport #AviationSafety #CommunityServices
Kenai commission debates fueling future as Crowley signals limited self‑serve service
Commissioners discussed replacing aging pumps and issuing an RFP for temporary fueling after Crowley said self‑serve sales do not justify a $200k–$300k infrastructure upgrade; staff will seek FAA approvals and report back in December.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 3:03 AM
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The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission has just advanced a transformative 2035 comprehensive plan, aiming to enhance community food security, childcare access, and long-term infrastructure studies!

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#KetchikanGatewayBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #KetchikanGateway
Ketchikan Gateway Borough planning commission forwards 2035 comprehensive plan to assembly after extensive amendments
The planning commission voted Nov. 12 to forward the borough2035 comprehensive plan to the borough assembly with numerous amendments, adding language on food security, tourism management, utilities and feasibility studies for long-range transportation and berth electrification.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 12:09 AM
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Kenai is taking bold steps to revamp its subdivision regulations, prioritizing housing development and adapting policies for faster progress!

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #KenaiHousing #HousingPolicy #InfrastructureStandards #UrbanDevelopment
Kenai staff to review subdivision regulations as council prioritizes housing
City staff said council directed a review of Kenai Municipal Code Title 14 subdivision regulations to clarify road, water and wastewater standards and consider using adaptive policies to streamline development; the commission expects multiple follow-up work sessions.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 5:53 PM
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Kodiak Island Borough is set to allocate over $197,000 in federal fishery disaster relief funds to boost economic development and enhance marine safety training for local harvesters.

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#KodiakIslandBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #MarineSafety #TrainingScholarships
Borough to accept federal fishery disaster relief funds aimed at fisheries economic development
The assembly reviewed ordinances to accept two federal fishery disaster relief distributions ($156,150.40 and $41,557.81) and discussed directing those funds to a fisheries economic development account to support UAF/Sea Grant training and crew safety courses.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 5:42 PM
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Local resident Judy Ulmer is raising alarms about proposed wireless towers too close to homes, urging the commission to rethink their plans for the sake of community safety.

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#PetersburgBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TechnologyRegulation #CommunityConcerns
Resident urges caution on proposed cell towers; commissioner says she reversed course after assembly testimony
A Petersburg resident urged the planning commission to adopt stricter rules for proposed towers by Tlingit Haida; Vice Chair Heather told the commission she changed her prior support for a Tlingit Bridal Tower after hearing assembly testimony and signed a letter of concern.
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November 14, 2025 at 5:10 PM
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Denali Borough Assembly just made pivotal decisions to boost the local economy and improve infrastructure, but some key items are still up for debate!

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#DenaliBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #DenaliBoroughEconomy #InfrastructureImprovement #EconomicDevelopment
Votes at a glance: Denali Borough approves economic strategy, code cleanups and capital repair funds; several items postponed
At its Nov. 12 meeting the Denali Borough Assembly approved an economic development strategy contract solicitation (ordinance 25‑11), code cleanups (25‑12, 25‑13), an amended change to commercial use permits (25‑14), funds for solid‑waste truck repairs (25‑15), and resolutions supporting PILT parity and a FLAP pathway grant; the assembly postponed
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 11:20 AM
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Golden Valley Electric is tackling increasing power outages in the Cantwell area caused by hazardous beetle-killed trees with a bold new plan for tree-clearing and enhanced response times.

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#DenaliBorough #AK #WildfireRisk #CitizenPortal #DenaliBoroughUtility #UtilityReliability
Golden Valley Electric details tree‑clearing, crew and grant plan to reduce Cantwell‑area outages
Golden Valley Electric Association told the Denali Borough Assembly it has seen an uptick of outages on the Cantwell feeder tied to beetle‑killed spruce; the co‑op plans mechanical clearing outside typical easements, to pursue DOT partnerships and to reapply for a wildfire‑defense grant in 2026 while stationing crews closer to Cantwell.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 2:35 AM
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Minnesota Housing Partnership is tackling Denali Borough's housing crisis head-on, uncovering alarming insights about construction costs and rental shortages that could reshape the community's future.

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#DenaliBorough #AK #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment
Minnesota Housing Partnership outlines early housing needs assessment for Denali Borough
Minnesota Housing Partnership told the Denali Borough Assembly it has begun a needs assessment after a small survey and workshop that found high construction costs, limited housing stock and short‑term rentals reducing supply; MHP will expand engagement next summer and return with a housing action plan and funding options.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 12:13 AM
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The Challenger Center, a beloved local institution, will close its doors on November 15 due to funding struggles, leaving a community reflecting on its significant impact.

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #KenaiChallengerCenter
Challenger Center board president says facility will close Nov. 15 as council adopts lease termination; city to assess utilities and facility options
Council adopted a resolution terminating the lease with the Alaska Center for Space Technology (Challenger Center). Tim Dillon, the board president, said the center will "completely close down as of November 15" due to loss of operating revenue; staff will assess utilities and the administration plans a future work session on the facility's future.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 12:47 PM
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Juneau's Telephone Hill is poised for transformation into high-density workforce housing, but as tenants prepare to vacate, critical decisions about the future of this prime location are on the horizon.

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#JuneauCityandBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement
Juneau manager details Telephone Hill demolition, hazardous‑materials testing and developer outreach
City manager updated the assembly on Telephone Hill: tenants were given legal notice to vacate (deadline 11/01/2025), hazardous‑materials testing will precede demolition, and staff plan solicitations and outreach to developers to pursue high‑density housing on the site.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 11:08 AM
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Kenai's future is taking shape with a proposed infrastructure project on Sixth Street that could transform low-income and senior housing access—find out how $850,000 in funding could make a difference!

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #PublicHousing
Kenai holds required public meeting on CDBG; Sixth Street infrastructure is proposed to serve low‑income and senior housing
City planner Kevin Butner presented a Community Development Block Grant overview and proposed using CDBG funds to install new water and wastewater mains and a local service road on Sixth Street to unlock low‑income and senior housing development; the city noted the program cap in Alaska and that two public hearings are required.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 7:07 AM
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Kenai's council has secured a massive $2.9 million EPA grant for vital upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility, but that's not all—an additional $750,000 is now on the table!

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#KenaiKenaiPeninsulaBorough #AK #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalProtection
Council accepts $2.9 million EPA grant, authorizes $750,000 appropriation and construction contract for wastewater digester blower upgrades
Council enacted Ordinance 3490-2025 to accept a $2,900,000 EPA grant for the Kenai Wastewater Treatment Facility digester blowers upgrade, approved a $750,000 supplemental appropriation after bidding shortfalls, and awarded the construction contract to Blazey Construction; the ordinance passed 6–0.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 4:34 AM
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Anchorage's fire department reveals alarming coverage gaps in critical emergency response, highlighting the need for strategic station relocations to better serve growing communities.

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#AnchorageMunicipality #AK #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyResponse #CommunityGrowth
Anchorage fire map shows gaps west of bowl; department suggests relocating Station 12 and adding one new station
A fire-department presentation using 2024 incident data and modeled driving-time bands identified clusters west of Bicentennial Park and between Stations 12 and 7 as areas often outside the department's 4-minute/8-minute targets. The department recommended relocating Station 12 east and adding one new station to improve coverage.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 2:36 AM
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The Juneau assembly is gearing up for a transformative master plan for West Douglas, but uncertainty looms as Gold Belt Corporation has yet to submit a formal application.

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#JuneauCityandBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #JuneauCity #CommunityEngagement #InfrastructurePlanning
Juneau assembly directs staff to scope West Douglas master plan; proposed MOU with Gold Belt fails
The Committee of the Whole voted Nov. 3 to direct staff to draft a scope, process and budget for a West Douglas master plan, but rejected a separate motion to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gold Belt Corporation LLC on services and mitigation; staff said no final application has been submitted by Gold Belt.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 9:32 PM
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Juneau's assembly is weighing options for managing cruise-ship limits, inspired by a significant court ruling—could this change the future of tourism in the city?

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#JuneauCityandBorough #AK #TourismManagement #CitizenPortal #CommunityCoordination #DataDrivenPolicy
Juneau assembly hears briefing on berthing agreements and data needed to consider cruise‑ship limits
Visitor Industry Director Pierce briefed the assembly on existing voluntary berthing MOAs, a five‑ship dock limit and borough‑wide passenger caps; she said the Bar Harbor court ruling suggests limits can be legislated if supported by data and recommended the Visitor Industry Task Force study options and data needs.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 8:50 PM
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Anchorage's leaders reveal the heroic multiagency response to the devastating October storms, which displaced over 1,500 residents and mobilized significant rescue efforts.

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#AnchorageMunicipality #AK #CitizenPortal #AnimalRescue #AnchorageEmergencyManagement
Anchorage outlines sheltering, pet missions and intergovernmental aid after Western Alaska storms
Anchorage emergency-management leaders described city'supported sheltering and housing transitions for evacuees from Octoberstorms in Western Alaska, noted a state disaster declaration and federal disaster approval, and summarized partner roles, costs tracked to date and next steps on reimbursement and steady-state demobilization.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 7:18 PM
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Anchorage's WIC program is safe for now, thanks to a $450 million federal lifeline, but what happens next could impact thousands of families!

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#AnchorageMunicipality #AK #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #InfantNutrition #PublicHealth #AnchorageWIC
Anchorage public-health officials outline WIC contingency plan as federal transfers short-term funds
Public Health told the assembly that federal Section 32 transfers will temporarily sustain WIC operations but not solve long-term funding; municipality has a municipal-formula contingency to buy and distribute infant formula if federal benefits lapse and is coordinating potential staff-pay decisions with the mayor's office and OMB.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 7:17 PM
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Anchorage is taking crime-fighting to new heights with a plan for rooftop-mounted drones that promise to enhance officer safety and real-time responses to emergencies.

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#AnchorageMunicipality #AK #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TechnologyInnovation #CivicAccountability
Anchorage police lay out rooftop first-responder drone plan, retainers and privacy limits
The police chief briefed a phased plan to deploy rooftop-mounted first-responder drones (initial contract for three), described technical airspace-safety and recording limits, proposed a public dashboard with flight metadata and set a 14-day retention default for non-evidentiary drone footage; members asked about airspace deconfliction, license-pla
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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Significant gaps in the 2 Rivers Homestead Charter application have raised serious concerns among Fairbanks school officials, potentially jeopardizing its approval.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #AlaskaSchools #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #EducationReform
Administration flags gaps and legal concerns in 2 Rivers Homestead charter application
District staff told the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board that the 2 Rivers Homestead Charter application omits a draft contract and several required details — including a lottery mechanism, a core curriculum, and clear waiver approvals — and outlined potential special education, scheduling and governance issues the board must consider.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 6:18 PM