On February 13, 1987, University of Alaska President Donald O’Dowd spoke from Fairbanks with Southeast Alaska educational leaders about merging Ketchikan and Islands (Sitka) community colleges with the University of Alaska-Juneau as a part of his plan to restructure the UA system in an effort to conform with recent budget cuts. The consulting group, made up of Anchorage representatives, the Rural Education and Extension Division along with Pres. O’Dowd and affected southeast Alaskans, also spoke about two issues—restructuring and next year’s university budget—that will have been brought to the Board of Regents special meeting scheduled Feb. 21
Gov. Cowper also looked at the budget, but instead of looking to restructure, he was looking for an extra $18 million he hoped to use to help 32 programs currently low on money. By submitting a supplemental appropriation bill for these programs, which included welfare and the Department of Health and Social Services, he was asking the Alaska Legislature to come up with the amount for the underfunded programs.
Sen. Frank Murkowski, in a speech to the Alaska Legislature, stated that there were not enough votes in the U.S. Congress to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This news came soon after Gov. Steve Cowper proposed to the Alaska Legislature a plan to ban oil exploration in the area for the next 10 years.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
