Natural gas supply and the AKLNG project are big topics of discussion in the Legislature.

Last Thursday morning, Chugach Electric Association, Hilcorp, and Marathon announced the sale of the LNG export dock to Hilcorp and their intent to repurpose the dock to import natural gas. This agreement provides some certainty of natural gas supply for the Marathon refinery and Chugach Electric in the near term.

President Trump’s announcement last Friday of a working relationship with Japan on the AKLNG project is a huge signal of progress for the natural gas pipeline project. AKLNG executives and Glenfarne, the project developers, provided more details this week about their work and what the project means for the Kenai Peninsula and all of Alaska. ENSTAR is working closely with AKLNG to bring this project to life as a long-term solution to the Railbelt’s natural gas shortage. AKLNG is still in negotiations with Glenfarne as a potential project developer. I have met with Glenfarne executives and encouraged them to come to Nikiski and the Kenai Peninsula as soon as they can to talk about the AKLNG terminal and what it will mean for area residents.

Road construction

When the AKLNG project happens, the Kenai Peninsula will need significant additional investment in area highways and feeder roads. Currently, there are several major road construction projects on the Kenai Peninsula, including the Cooper Landing Bypass. In addition to the comments I hear from residents on the design and progress of these projects, Alaska’s construction industry has raised significant concerns about the low number of projects the Department of Transportation is putting out to bid. If there isn’t enough work, it can severely impact the health of the construction industry and our economy. This week the department came before the Senate Transportation Committee to discuss the status of projects important to our region and their plan to get projects out to bid in time for the summer season. We know that when AKLNG comes and other developments happen around the state, AKDOT needs to be prepared to provide the road infrastructure and maintenance to support this economic growth.

Recovering from floods

Flooding has become a more frequent and persistent problem on the Kenai Peninsula and across Alaska. Private insurance policies almost never cover flooding, and National Flood Insurance offered through FEMA is expensive and often useless.

Alaskans pulling together can take care of our own. That’s why I’ve cosponsored Senate Bill 11. It creates an Alaska-based flood self-insurance program that will cover the flood costs that Alaskans face when rebuilding following a flood. This program created in this bill would empower Alaskans to take care of ourselves when the federal government won’t.

I am honored to be your state senator and I want to hear from you. You’re welcome to call my office at 907-283-7996 or email me at Sen.Jesse.Bjorkman@akleg.gov. I hope you’ll take the time to share your questions and ideas.