By Roger Maynard, on November 24th, 2011  Connelly Lake outlet, photo by Danny Gonce 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->
By Roger Maynard, on October 11th, 2011  Miles Furniture Showroom, 5th and Main in Haines For years, Haines folks have had the luxury of a locally owned source for furniture, carpets, floor coverings, appliances, home electronics and more. Today, Scott and Candi Bradford are the proud new owners of Miles Furniture Showroom.
The new owners are enthusiastic about their new purchase. ”We’re not making too many changes right away,” said Scott Bradford, “The only immediate change will be some hobby items, Yankee candles, and some pet supplies in that corner in the front of the store. Otherwise, the store and the business will remain the same.” Then he smiled and added, “I’m one of only a half-dozen Lionel Model Train dealers in Alaska.” Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 15th, 2011  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->
By Roger Maynard, on August 3rd, 2011  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->
By Editor, on July 25th, 2011 by Andrew Halcro | andrewhalcro.com
July 25, 2011: Alaskans have learned to expect consistent behavior from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when it comes to resource development; consistently bad.
The EPA will soon decide on whether to unilaterally impose a more stringent national standard for air quality, despite concerns that doing so will violate our own federal Clean Air Act…
Read more at andrewhalcro.com.
By Roger Maynard, on June 30th, 2011  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.
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on June 30th, 2011 I just spent a great week traveling through Southeast Alaska where I had the opportunity to tour important projects, meet with city leaders, and hear from many constituents. I have learned both the challenges and opportunities before Alaskans in several Southeast communities.
It was an honor and privilege to meet with so many of you. I want to thank the communities of Craig, Klawock, Skagway, Juneau, and Haines for their warm welcome and wonderful hospitality. The many events I attended truly exhibited the Alaskan spirit and will help me to better represent you in Congress. I especially thank those of you that traveled from one community or another to meet with me and share your ideas and concerns.
Southeast Alaska is truly blessed with its abundant resources, good people, and, as I found in all of my travels, plenty of sunshine. Warmest wishes, best regards and God bless.
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
By Editor, on June 25th, 2011 By SEAN COCKERHAM | ADN
JUNEAU–The Legislature expects to go into special session in Juneau on Monday in a last-minute effort to save the state coastal management program.
Support is needed from two-thirds of the 60 legislators to go into special session. Leaders of both the House and Senate said Friday evening that they had polled their members and it looked like enough were on board to make it happen.
The special session is tentatively scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Monday in Juneau and could be over as quickly as one day.
Read more in the Anchorage Daily News.
By Roger Maynard, on June 8th, 2011 Surveys can be skewed intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes, despite the best of intentions the choice of questions, the wording of survey questions, even the order in which they are asked, will lead respondents to choose one answer over another. That’s why folks who use the results need to weigh the results and act accordingly.
Read more->
By Editor, on April 26th, 2011 JUNEAU–Governor Sean Parnell today welcomed the news that legislation necessary for the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Power Project has passed the Legislature. Senate Bill 42, introduced by Governor Parnell, authorizes the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to move forward on pursuing this important hydroelectric project. Read more->
By Gary Lidholm, on March 26th, 2011  Congressman Don Young addresses the Haines Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines HAINES–“I call myself a true conservationist – not a preservationist,” Congressman Don Young said as he addressed the Haines Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday, March 25th. The remarks introduced his short address to the Haines business community and a delegation from Skagway as they gathered at the American Bald Eagle Foundation, and prefaced his thoughts about renewable energy and the need to reclaim state sovereignty.
Now in his 40th year representing Alaska’s only congressional district, the Congressman said he hopes he can represent us for 50 years because he is the right man for the job. Read more->
By Editor, on March 24th, 2011 Deanna Garrison | KRBD
KETCHIKAN–Congressman Don Young says this month’s ruling by a federal judge reinstating the roadless rule in the Tongass would most likely prevent the development of future hydro-electric projects in much of Southeast. Young made the statement during a community roundtable in Ketchikan today.
Listen to KRBD report.
By Roger Maynard, on March 9th, 2011  Haines power consumption: Hydro vs. Diesel HAINES–Monday’s joint meeting between the Haines and Skagway borough assemblies underscored a number of issues of mutual concern. Among the most important is just how tenuous is our source of reasonably-priced electrical power.
Presently, Haines receives nearly 100% of its power from hydro projects in or near Skagway. The day the Haines-Skagway undersea cable fails, all of this power will have to be generated by the diesel-fired power plant in Haines. Read more->
By Editor, on March 2nd, 2011  Rolls Royce 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.
Read more at DailyTech.com.
By Editor, on January 7th, 2011  Press Release
ANCHORAGE–The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is soliciting competitive grant applications from qualified applicants for emerging energy technology projects to be funded by the Alaska State Legislature and the Denali Commission. AEA must receive completed applications by 5:00 PM Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on December 28th, 2010 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)
By Editor, on November 29th, 2010  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->
By Gary Lidholm, on September 29th, 2010 By Gary Lidholm
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->
By Roger Maynard, on September 4th, 2010  Lineman Jim Schnabel adjusts the electrical load on one of four diesel-fired generators. by Roger Maynard
HAINES 9:36 a.m. — The power went out in Haines about 8:50 a.m. today. AP&T started the diesel powerplant, restoring power shortly after 9:00 a.m.
When asked about the severity of the outage AP&T Manager Danny Gonce said, ” We don’t know yet. The outage was wide spread, affecting both Haines and Skagway.” Haines will continue on diesel power while AP&T can identify and correct the source of the outage.
Update 11:20 a.m.: Manager Danny Gonce reports that the Skagway crew found a failed voltage arrestor. They are repairing the problem, and both communities should be back on hydropower shortly.
By Gary Lidholm, on February 26th, 2010 
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?
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on February 14th, 2010 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.
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on February 2nd, 2010 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->
Uncategorized By Roger Maynard, on January 23rd, 2010 by Stephanie Scott
 The Energy Sustainability Commission took 3 actions at its Thursday, January 21, meeting, in the following order:
The Commission will suggest that the Mayor fill the vacancy created by Commissioner Hedden’s Jan. 13 resignation by designating Pete Lapham the Planning Commission representative to the Commission and by appointing a school district representative to fill the vacant seat.
Read more->
Uncategorized By Roger Maynard, on December 28th, 2009  The strongly opposed political factions in Haines have more similarities than are apparent at first glance. We’re here for the natural beauty, the recreation opportunities and the Alaskan lifestyle. We all want Haines to be an outstanding place to live, but we have different opinions about how to make this happen.
For example, the December 10, 2009 Chilkat Valley News commentary speaks of signs that Haines is not the winter wonderland that it could be, and we couldn’t agree more. And when he says our leaders should encourage commerce and shopping at home, he’s right on target.
But then the writer quickly moves on Read more->
Uncategorized By Roger Maynard, on December 14th, 2009  This just in from AP&T:
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.
|
|
| Scott Stantis
Chicago Tribune
Feb 4, 2012
|
Publisher Information:
Publisher Information:
Alaska Alliance for Commerce, Inc. (AAFC)
P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
Editor:
Roger L. Maynard
P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
editor@hainesnews.net
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. |
|
| Help us keep you informed.
See complete publisher info at the bottom left sidebar. |
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
Ecclesiastes 10:2 NIV
|
-- 
