Swan-Tyee Intertie Energized

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

Friday I traveled to Ketchikan to attend Southeast Alaska Power Agency’s (SEAPA) “Throw-the-breaker Party” in celebration of the completion of the Swan-Tyee electrical intertie.  Representative Johansen, Representative Wilson and I were happy to host U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski as well as a number of our fellow legislators who traveled from Juneau to attend this wonderful event. Attending the event were: Senator Kevin Meyer, Representative Bill Stoltze, Representative Charisse Millet, Representative Bill Thomas, Representative John Harris, Representative Bryce Edgmon, and Representative Jay Ramras.  The Swan-Tyee Intertie has been a regional work-in-progress for over 30 years and completing it has been one of my top legislative priorities.

The Swan-Tyee Intertie is a 57 mile long transmission line which connects the Swan Lake hydro project in Ketchikan with the Lake Tyee hydro project near Petersburg.  The Intertie’s completion integrates, for the first time, the electrical generation and transmission systems of Ketchikan, Wrangell and Petersburg.  The connection allows the electrical utilities in each community, to work collaboratively to displace diesel generation, load balance and more efficiently distribute power between generation projects.

Completion of Swan-Tyee is a significant milestone for Southeast Alaska and the first major component of a regional effort to advance interconnected hydro power throughout Southeast.

I’d like to thank Randy Johnson and Doug Ward of Alaska Ship & Drydock for providing visiting legislators with an inside look at the impressive capabilities of the Ketchikan shipyard.  As the state considers making significant financial investments into the construction of the new Alaska Class Ferry, it’s important for us to showcase the world class vessel construction being done right here in Southeast Alaska.

February 2nd, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Legislature Passes Low-Speed Vehicle Bill

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The Legislature passed Senate Bill 59 this week.  Low-speed vehicles provide effective and sustainable transportation options for Alaskans.  I sponsored this bill to expand road access for low-speed vehicles in Alaska communities.  There are currently over a dozen of these vehicles operating in Southeast communities.   Estimates from DOT suggest this bill will open an additional 30 miles of road throughout Southeast to these vehicles.  I’m pleased the legislature enacted this bill, and hope it will improve sustainable transportation in our region.

January 27th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Pelican Update

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

I met with General Thomas Katkus of the Alaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs today to get an update on the situation in the community of Pelican.  Last summer was very difficult for Pelican.  Heavy rain and flooding collapsed the flume that provides the community’s water-supply and electricity.  The flume also helped power the freezers at the Pelican Seafoods plant.  Without power there was a risk that ammonia-based coolant could seep into the community.  Governor Parnell issued an Administrative Order making disaster relief funding available to the community and instructed DMVA to assist with emergency repairs of the flume.

I worked with local leaders and the administration in response to this situation, and visited the Pelican this past fall to see the recovery work.  While there has been progress, there is still much to be done.  It was good to hear an update on the community’s recovery, and I’ve encouraged the City of Pelican and the Kake Tribal Corporation to continue working together to find solutions to these issues.

January 21st, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Legislature Convenes

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The second session of the 26th Alaska Legislature convened in Juneau today. 

This session I will continue as Co-Chairman of the Finance Committee. In that role, I serve as one of five members of the Senate leadership. I will be focused on instituting sound fiscal policies and on ensuring the State’s financial resources are properly managed. My responsibilities include setting the Calendar of Bills before the Committee and drafting the State’s FY2011 Capital Appropriations Bill.  

I will also serve on several committees that influence policy important to our district.  These include the Resources Committee, Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, Special Energy Committee, Rules Committee, Legislative Council and Vice-Chair of the Renewable Energy Task Force.  High energy costs continue to be one of the toughest economic challenges facing our state, and I plan to take a comprehensive approach to finding solutions and looking at all potential energy sources.  Of course no issue is more important to Alaska’s future than the commercialization of our North Slope gas reserves, which will continue to be a top priority for the legislature.  In the coming weeks I will continue to be engaged on these and other issues to represent you in legislature and get results for Alaskans.

January 19th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

New Website

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

I’m pleased to offer to this website for Alaskans and others interested in my activities in the Alaska State Senate.  My staff and I will post regular updates on happenings in Juneau and major issues affecting Southeast Alaska.  I encourage you to contact me with any comments or questions.

January 18th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  1 Comment »