Author: kfskadmin

Petersburg’s effort to start up a new borough government is meeting resistance from some remote residents who don’t want any part of it. Meanwhile some members of Petersburg’s city council say they need to find out more about the pros and cons of borough formation, as the city seeks signatures for its petition to the state. The city is planning an informational meeting for the middle of next month.

The Petersburg School District may dip into its reserves to fund more teachers, expanded sports programs and cover higher fuel prices next year. The district will see per-student state funding increase and will ask for more money from the city of Petersburg.

The city of Petersburg may take a closer look at the possibility of hydro-electric power development in Thomas Bay.The city has opposed a Washington-state company’s plans to build a network of hydro-power plants and support facilities in the remote and popular bay. However, Petersburg and Wrangell officials are showing interest in tapping one of the lakes for local and regional power needs.

Harbor rates and fees are on their way up again in Petersburg…..but it will take a couple more readings before the increases are final. That’s because the councilors turned down a measure that would have allowed them to approve harbor rate hikes with one vote instead of three.

A group of property owners in Petersburg wants state forestry rules to include protections for public safety. The issue stems from local concern over the possibility that an Alaska mental health trust logging plan could cause landslides on the steep slopes above the town’s main road, where many homes and businesses are located. The state board of forestry has been discussing the proposal which has the support of at least one lawmaker in southeast.