Construction Work Continues In Senate District “R”

Author: Bert Stedman

Addition and Renovation at Ketchikan General Hospital

New Gangway in Petersburg

Building roads, harbors, and energy projects is critical to economic growth and good paying jobs.  Thanks to years of work and planning, many projects have been funded and completed or are moving through construction in the district.  A glance around shows harbor, road, building, and hydroelectric projects in several communities.

Given the State’s current budget situation, it is more important than ever for local and state agencies to make sure projects move forward as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

February 21st, 2015  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Alaska Shipyard Constructs First Ferries Built In Alaska

Author: Bert Stedman

Construction of the Alaska Class ferries has commenced and is under way at the State of Alaska Shipyard in Ketchikan.  Vigor Alaska, the operator at the shipyard reached a contract with the Department of Transportation to build the two new ferries.  The ferries are steel hulled, powered by twin diesel engines, and 280 feet long.  They can carry up to 300 passengers and 53 vehicles.  “The foundation for success now took years of investment in shipyard infrastructure and accumulating $120 million in funds to build the boats.  I am glad Vigor and the State found common ground and reached agreement.  We kept economic development in Alaska with state dollars and increased the number of jobs at the shipyard by 67%.  (100 jobs added to the existing 150 jobs at the shipyard).” Said Senator Stedman.  The new ferries are expected to be completed in 2018.  “We are already working on a way to make sure Vigor gets the best reasonable opportunity to bid on the next new ferry, the M/V Tustemena.”

February 19th, 2015  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Senator Stedman Meets With Ketchikan Delegation And Welcomes New Staff To Office

Author: Bert Stedman

Senator Bert Stedman recently met with the delegation of Ketchikan officials in Juneau at the capitol.  “I explained the dire fiscal situation we are in while assuring them that we would do our absolute best to help the district.  Cuts should not fall unfairly on Southeast Alaska.”  Said Senator Stedman.

The Senator also welcomed two new members of his staff, Susan Rael and Randy Ruaro.  Susan is replacing longtime staff and administrative aide at the front desk Julie Isom for the session.  Randy replaces Darwin Peterson as chief-of-staff.  Darwin is now the legislative director for Governor Walker.

“Randy and Susan bring years of experience in state service and the legislature.  I expect very good things from both of them.  Randy and his family have deep ties to Southeast Alaska and he was born and raised in Ketchikan.  He knows the issues in the district well.” Said Senator Stedman.

“I thank both Julie and Darwin for their work in the office and for the district.  I wish them well in their new endeavors.”

February 15th, 2015  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Alaska National Guard Crisis

Author: Bert Stedman

Like most Alaskans, I am severely disappointed by the recently revealed leadership crisis plaguing our National Guard.  The breakdown in the chain of command and the immoral conduct by some senior National Guard officials is reprehensible and cannot be tolerated.  In the past 22 years that I have served as a public official in one capacity or another, I have never seen such a disgusting betrayal of the public trust in our state military and veteran’s affairs.  The brave men and women who proudly protect our state deserve leadership of the highest moral standard who will protect them from harm, not inflict it.  I am anxious to join my colleagues in Juneau for the start of the 29^th Legislature in January so the committees of jurisdiction can take action.  Public hearings should be held to make sure the Administration is instituting the proper reforms so the Alaska National Guard can restore its honorable reputation. 

October 22nd, 2014  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »