HAINES–The Haines Planning Commission will host two town meetings to invite public comment on the draft Comprehensive Plan this week. The comprehensive plan is the “roadmap” for future borough decisions and is valid through 2025, and your public comment on this document is important in the implementation process.
The first meeting, in Haines, will be Wednesday May 16 from 6-8 p.m. in the Haines High School Commons.
The second meeting will be at the Mosquito Lake School, May 17, from 6-8 p.m.
The draft Comprehensive plan can be downloaded by going here. (Warning: 292 pages)
Food for thought: A provocative new video from the folks over at Americans for Limited Government promoting a new project focused on economic liberty and free market policies. Watch:
From Rep. Bill Thomas:
HAINES–The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation will be hosting a public workshop on April 17, 2012 at the American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The purpose of the workshop is to gather public input on Chilkoot River corridor management recommendations and improvements planned for the area. There will be representatives from various agencies available at the workshop to answer questions and discuss corridor concerns.
HAINES: On 3/19/2012, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued a preliminary permit to Goat Lake Hydro (AP&T) to complete a feasibility study of their proposed Connelly Lake Hydro project. Additionally, the permit gives Goat Lake Hydro a priority over other companies to develop this particular resource.
The permit is not a license to construct a hydro project, but a preliminary step in the process that allows in-depth studies and planning to proceed, and a significant step toward adequate hydropower for northern Lynn Canal.
Paid commentary:
As you all probably know, AP&T has filed an application for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Connelly Lake Hydroelectric Project (Project). We have read all of the comment letters that have been submitted to FERC as of November 21, 2011, and it seems like there are a few misconceptions about our plans. We’d like to take this opportunity to clarify a few matters regarding our interest in the Connelly Lake site. We have structured this as a series of questions and answers. Read more->
Alaska Power and Telephone Manager for Power Operations in Haines, Danny Gonce, reports that the sudden onset of cold weather has made it necessary to begin providing supplemental power with diesel generators. Read more->
AP&T Manager of Power Operations for Haines, Danny Gonce
HAINES–The Connelly Lake hydro issue always draws a crowd in Haines, and last Friday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Chilkat Bakery & Restaurant was no exception.
AP&T’s Manager of Power Operations for Haines, Danny Gonce, said that AP&T has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for additional permits to continue studying the Connelly Lake hydro site, and the comment period for that permit is now closed. Several comments were received, both for and against. Read more->
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill was unable to attend the Chamber of Commerce candidates forum on Friday, September 23, at the library. Hill had prearranged meetings with Yukon officials in Whitehorse. She asked Chamber of Commerce officials if she could have a statement read at the candidates forum while she was away on borough business, but her request was denied–a departure from the way the Chamber handled similar situations in past years.
Mayor Hill apologized for her absence, but said the benefit to Haines was worth the trip. The following is her report from those meetings:
Google Earth rendition of the Chilkoot Valley, looking north from Chilkoot Lake, showing Connelly Lake. Notes by Roger Maynard
HAINES has an energy crisis. A little town in the middle of coastal Alaska with high mountain lakes and running water everywhere, we should be rolling in surplus hydroelectric power, but we’re not. Instead, we periodically burn diesel to smoke up our valley at a premium cost to consumers. Even without the diesel surcharge, electrical (IPEC) business customers in the upper Chilkat Valley are getting soaked up to $0.61 per kilowatt hour. Read more->
Mayor Jan Hill and assembly candidates Jerry Erny and Karen Hess
HAINES–Candidates for assembly, Karen Hess and Jerry Erny held a “Meet and Greet” at the Captain’s Choice Hotel Lounge on Saturday afternoon. Turnout was good, with the lounge packed for a couple of hours as Haines residents drifted in and out, and the candidates took time to speak with them about their concerns. Read more->
The Fourth Southeast Alaska Integrated Resource Plan (SE IRP) Advisory Work Group met in Haines on Tuesday, July 26, 2011. The group, working under the authority of the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), is focused on development of a 50-year Regional Integrated Resource Plan (RIRP) for Southeast Alaska from Yakutat to Metlakatla. Read more->
Congressman Don Young addresses Alaskans at Dyea while District 5 Republican vice-chair Kathy Hosford looks on.
SKAGWAY–Bright, sunny weather greeted Congressman Don Young when he visited Skagway and Dyea Monday afternoon. After a tour of the ore terminal and newly constructed waterfront facilities with city officials, he made an appearance at a District 5 Republican fundraiser at the Chilkoot Trail Outpost in Dyea.
Speaking to a crowd of about 60 people, Young covered subjects from federal control over Alaska and its residents to natural gas, oil and the economy.
SKAGWAY–At a joint Haines and Skagway Borough Assembly work group meeting Monday evening, members of both bodies discussed subjects of mutual interest, including upper Lynn Canal port development, tourism, the shuttle ferry service, hydropower and the Skagway-Haines energy intertie.
Though the meeting only lasted a little over an hour, there was general agreement that it was a good start toward the two boroughs working together for mutual benefit. Read more->
The 102EX is also known by the name Phantom Experimental Electric and is intended to test the opinion and reaction to alternative power configurations with stakeholders, enthusiasts and the media. The vehicle is a pure test bed at this time and there are no plans for a production version of the vehicle.
The Chilkoot Lake Recreational Use Area Meeting scheduled for January has been cancelled until further notice.
If you have questions please call Representative Thomas office at 766-3581
For more info about the Chilkoot Lake Recreational Use area proposal, read the following from the Haines Alaska News: “Chilkoot Corridor Meeting” (12/4/2010)
HAINES–Representative Bill Thomas and Alaska Department of Natural Resources representatives discussed proposed changes to the Chilkoot recreation area with a crowd that filled the Assembly chambers on Friday evening. DNR representatives included Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Director James King, Park Superintendent Mike Eberhardt, and Park Ranger Preston Kroes.
Thomas explained to the crowd that the proposals are conceptual at this point. The maps are not drawn with accuracy, and there is not yet any land ownership, archaeological or wildlife data taken into account. The purpose of the meeting is to exchange ideas. Some of the proposals at the start of the meeting included road realignment, changes in public access and parking.
Sow and two cubs at the fish wier. Photo by Roger Maynard
This just in from Representative Bill Thomas’s office:
HAINES–You are cordially invited to attend a public meeting concerning the Chilkoot corridor, Friday, December 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Haines Borough Assembly Chambers.
State of Alaska, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Director, James King and local staff will be in attendance. Read more->
HAINES – “Abundant Energy for a Strong Economy” was the campaign slogan I used in an unsuccessful bid for a Haines Assembly seat last year. As a member of the Haines Energy Sustainability Commission I was convinced that Haines was in an enviable position for major renewable energy opportunities such as hydro and wood heat that were necessary for a viable economy. Read more->
Candidates for Haines Borough Assembly (left to right), Karen Hess, Greg Goodman, Linda Geise, Steve Vick, John Winge and Dave Button
by Roger Maynard
The Haines Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, on Friday, September 24 at the Library featured all of the local candidates running for the Haines Borough Assembly. This annual event allows each candidate a short (3-minute) introduction, then members of the audience are allowed to ask questions. Read more->
There is much talk in the Haines community about the adverse impacts on the world-class fishery and wildlife resources of the Chilkoot River if Connelly Lake Hydro were to be built. Certainly these resources deserve first-rate protection. But how much would a hydro at Connelly really adversely affect the environment? Or perhaps, as some have suggested, could the hydro even enhance the resources?
Three weeks ago the Alaska Alliance for Commerce published a paid commentary in the Chilkat Valley News, comparing proposed hydro projects at Connelly and Schubee Lakes. Two weeks ago Rob Goldberg, Scott Carey and Kathleen Menke responded with letters to the editor regarding our paid commentary. Although we don’t intend to get into a tit-for-tat letter writing contest, we do consider it our mission to clarify facts when the anti-development folks resort to faulty assumptions and hyperbole.
The Haines News poll posted here from January 9, 2010 through February 1, 2010 consistently showed strong support for Connelly Lake hydro, ranging from 79 percent to 84 percent during the time the poll was posted. The poll was not scientific, and respondents were not restricted. The poll was advertised in the Haines News print edition and on this web site. Read more->
How do Connelly and Schubee Lake hydro projects stack up for feasibility study grant money in state-wide rankings developed by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA)? Good enough to be recommended for partial funding but not in the first group of funds recommended by the governor.
Photo Map of the Chilkoot Valley, courtesy of Alaska DNR
Alaska Power & Telephone has applied for grants and permits to develop Hydropower at Connelly Lake in the upper Chilkoot Valley. A few folks including a local environmentalist organization, Lynn Canal Conservation, have stated unequivocally that they will oppose development of Connelly Lake. LCC has already notified the Alaska Department of Fish and Game that they intend to sue to stop the project, even though they do not yet have grounds for a lawsuit.
In early 2009 LCC members suggested an alternative site, Schubee Lake, on the opposite side of Lynn Canal from Haines, indicating it has their support. Schubee has not been studied and there is little data to support this decision.
Just a heads up, Friday the 11th of December, the AP&T Upper Lynn Canal Power System required the use of diesel generation to meet the peaking requirements.
The official start of the holiday season beginning at sundown on Friday may have played a role in the load on Friday. The system operator will be closely monitoring the loads in the evenings. The typical peak times start as early as 3:00 PM and can last through 7:00 PM, usually on weekdays.
With the cool temperatures forecasted, it is possible that additional diesel for peaking will be required this week.
The Haines Alaska News is a public information service of the Alaska Alliance for Commerce, Inc., a grassroots movement organized to advocate for small business and a free market economy in Alaska.
The AAFC is organized under section 501(C)(4) of the U.S. Tax Code; contributions are not tax deductible.
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This just in from AP&T:
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