Alaska Matters: Recent Events in Israel and Palestine

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

October 19, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, we reflect on the tragedies happening in the Middle East, provide an update on NorthLink Aviation's project development, and report on the State's lawsuit with the federal government regarding the Kuskokwim River.

Israel & Palestine

Our hearts go out to the families and communities currently suffering the atrocities of war in Israel and in Gaza. We condemn the violence and mourn the loss of innocent lives.

Although this conflict is occurring halfway around the world, we recognize that many in our own community are impacted by the violence. No one, anywhere, should fear for their family's safety because of their race or religion. We stand in solidarity with both the Jewish and Palestinian diaspora in Anchorage, and pledge to support our neighbors of all backgrounds during these difficult times.

We must always stand together with our communities in the face of hatred, war, and division.

NorthLink Aviation

Last week, NorthLink Aviation held a groundbreaking ceremony at their terminal project site on the south side of the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The groundbreaking comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved NorthLink's project permit.

This project will develop an e-commerce and express air cargo terminal. It is projected to increase Anchorage's capacity for air cargo traffic and help establish Alaska as the first port of entry for air cargo entering the United States from Asia.

We welcome the opportunities for cargo expansion and job growth at the airport and remain committed to working with nearby neighborhoods to address their continuing concerns with the project.

Kuskokwim River Lawsuit

Last year, the federal government sued the State of Alaska and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for illegally opening up the Kuskokwim River for salmon fishing in violation of federal law. Last month, the State filed a motion to try to end this lawsuit. The State is asking the federal court to overturn the landmark Katie John case, which upholds the federal Subsistence Priority for rural residents.

In response, the Alaska Federation of Natives has sided with the federal government and filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit. At issue in the case is which waterways are controlled by the federal government, which waterways are controlled by the state government, and which users have fishing priority.

Community Information

→ Alaska FAFSA Completion Initiative

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE), with support from the University of Alaska, is hosting its first Alaska FAFSA Summit on October 26-27, 2023.

The Summit will bring together education stakeholders from secondary and postsecondary institutions as well as representatives from community organizations/non-profits and Alaska Native Education Foundations to develop strategies to increase FAFSA completion through statewide initiatives policies.

Click here to view the event page, and click here to register.

→ Division of Agriculture Grant Application

The State of Alaska announced the availability of grant funds to individuals and organizations who raise livestock (both small and large animals) who have been impacted by the significant increase in livestock feed costs, including the reduced availability of local hay and grain.

More than $570,000 in funding is available through a special round of the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the State of Alaska’s Division of Agriculture.

Applications will be accepted through November 15 at 5:00 PM.

For more information, click here to visit the Division of Agriculture's website. To submit an electronic application, click here to access the Division of Agriculture's SmartSimple application portal.

Community Events

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

MANA: The History We Inherit

When: Saturday, October 28 at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Anchorage Museum (625 C St). Click here for details.

Last year, our office co-sponsored House Bill 23, establishing October as Filipino American History Month in Alaska. It passed with overwhelming support, and this October, we're excited to celebrate the legacy of Filipinos in Alaska. Here in Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum will have free admission and an exhibit on Filipino oral histories.

Bayshore/Klatt Community Council

When: TODAY, October 19 at 7:00 PM

Where: In person at Bayshore Clubhouse, (3131 Amber Bay Loop) or via Zoom. Click here for details.