JUNEAU DAILY NEWS MINUTE
Tuesday, February 6, 1996 (c) Alaska Juneau Communications
*The Environmental Protection Agency has decided that it will
consider a rule change to allow Echo Bay to dump its A-J Mine
waste rock into Taku Inlet. Ocean dumping is currently illegal.
Echo Bay says it is also looking at other options including a
revised Sheep Creek dam. Opponents of the Taku Inlet marine
disposal option say the
E.P.A. is rushing its decision and that a
complete study of the process would take at least 2 years.
*Juneau will soon have a Youth Activities Board. The Borough
Assembly adopted a resolution last night establishing a 9-member
board to help distribute $225,000 in sales tax revenue. The board
was not expected to start up until 1997, but the Assembly decided
to proceed with half-funding this year to work the bugs out
before full funding next year. $100,000 of this year's commitment
will be for the school district.
*While contract talks continue between the Juneau School District
and its teachers, a measure has been introduced in the
Legislature which would give the public more involvement in
teacher tenure, hiring, firing, and evaluation. The bill
incorporates the recommendations of a task force charged with
studying the issue.
*A bill is expected to be introduced in the Alaska House this
week which would lift the ban on fish farming in the state. Its
sponsor -- Republican Representative
Eldon Mulder of Anchorage -- says farmed
salmon would help Alaska compete in the world market. But Juneau
Representative Kim Elton says the market is already glutted and
even more salmon would depress prices further for Southeast
commercial fishermen.
*The Prince of Wales Island community of Kasaan will be connected
to the outside world for the first time, probably before the year
is out. The state has awarded a $1.4-million contract for a five
and a half mile road from Kasaan to Thorne Bay where Alaska
Marine Highway System service is available. The project was made
possible by contributions from the 2 communities, and from
Sealaska Corporation.
*Seniors and low-income individuals in Juneau now have free tax
return help available. The local A.A.R.P. is sponsoring the
national
'Tax Aide' program here. People over 60 and those
meeting income requirements can have a C.P.A. or other trained
person help fill out the forms. The offer does not apply to
complicated returns like those for businesses or if you have
rental property.