Alaska Matters: State of the Judiciary

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

February 3, 2023

In this issue:

• State of the Judiciary

• Pebble Mine Update

• Community Information

• Community Events

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Wednesday, February 1, Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Daniel Winfree delivered the annual State of the Judiciary address to the legislature. The first Alaska-born Chief Justice, it was his last address as he retires this month.

State of the Judiciary

The Chief Justice used his speech to highlight the court system's hard work to address the backlog of criminal cases and the importance of an independent judicial branch.

Watch this week's video update

Pebble Mine Update

The Pebble Mine project proposes copper and gold mines in Bristol Bay, Alaska. This area represents one of the world’s biggest salmon spawning grounds. This week, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a final determination on the Pebble Mine's permit application and blocked the development of mines in the area. Salmon advocates, environmental groups, and local tribes celebrate this decision after opposing the mine for decades.

Governor Dunleavy responded to the EPA decision with a commitment to suing the agency over the veto. We anticipate that the governor will argue "statehood defense" and have concerns about the funding necessary to pursue this proposed lawsuit, including the cost of private attorneys to represent the state.

I have long believed the Pebble Mine is the wrong mine in the wrong place, and I support the EPA decision.

Community Information

→ FedEx ANCA Facility Development at Ted Stevens (ANC)

Project information: FedEx is planning to redevelop and expand the FedEx Cargo Development area at ANC with the intention of accommodating existing and future demand for cargo operations, increasing operational efficiencies, and meeting FAA and airport safety requirements. The project includes construction of new feeder aircraft parking apron, cargo building, automobile parking areas, two connections to Postmark Drive, and new security and perimeter fencing.

Public meeting: A public open house will be held on Thursday, February 16 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Coast Inn at Lake Hood (3450 Aviation Ave, Anchorage). This meeting is considered a public scoping meeting, meant to allow the project sponsor to receive input as they draft the Environmental Assessment.

→ Youth Employment in Parks

Know an Anchorage teenager that needs a summer job? The 2023 Youth Employment in Parks summer positions are now open! Anchorage teens ages 16-19 years old can get paid to work outside, make lifelong friends, and learn how to improve our public parks and trails. Click here to apply for a position!