Governor Sean Parnell is actively pushing to make the Susitna Hydro project a reality and submitted a bill to the legislature that would authorize the Alaska Energy Authority to move forward with the project. (more…)

Governor Sean Parnell’s proposed budget includes funding projects and initiatives that are likely to impact the upper Susitna valley. The governor’s budget plan totals $11.1 billion. (more…)

Governor Parnell has announced his budget plan for Fiscal Year 2012. The operating and capital budgets total $11.1 billion, with $5.45 billion in state general funds. State agency operating growth has been limited to 1.9 percent.  The budget includes $65.7 million for the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to conduct planning, design, and permitting for the Susitna Hydroelectric Project, which is estimated to meet half of the Railbelt’s electricity demand. The budget also includes funding for weatherization programs, renewable energy, and heating assistance.  KTNA listeners can stay tuned to tonights Alaska News Nightly for the full story or go to the link above to read all the numbers.

A few weeks ago, the Alaska Energy Authority issued a preliminary decision document that recommended to pursue a large hydroproject at Lower Watana, damming the Susitna River north of Devils Canyon. The idea to dam the Su River has been floated off and on for many years, but this time, the state is under pressure to supply the railbelt with affordable and renewable power.

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KTNA’s local news, weather, announcements and Denali Echoes for Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, with Diana Haecker. Local news headlines: Wind wreaks havoc in the Mat-Su borough; Gravel ordinance indefinitely tabled; AEA explains Susitna Hydro project; Egil Ellis wins first MCDMA sled dog races.(16 min.)

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Campaign season is revving up for the Borough mayoral election.

Larry DeVilbiss  attended the Talkeetna Community Council meeting Monday night and encouraged everyone to vote on January 11^th for Mat Su Borough mayor.  (more…)

KTNA’s morning news, weather, announcements and Denali Echoes, hosted by Diana Haecker. Local headlines: PFD is $1,281; South Hunter peak to be named after Ted Stevens; Fairbanks political candidates push for Susitna Dam project. (16 min.)

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Seven of 12 Fairbanks candidates for House and Senate in the November election are jumping on the Susitna Dam bandwagon. (more…)

In a campaign speech addressing Fairbanks Republicans last Friday, Governor Sean Parnell pushed to advance major hydroelectric projects like the proposed Susitna Dam and as well as coal mining in the Mat-Su area. (more…)