On Aug. 5, 1986, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to a two-month production cut, effective Sept. 1. It may be good news for the world economy, but Alaska officials were hesitant because it could also cause lower demand for oil, thereby worsening Alaska’s economy. If the quota is kept, world prices could rise by $5 a barrel a month and higher revenues for Alaska would come in December.
Meanwhile, the City and Borough of Juneau allowed Bartlett Memorial Hospital to renovate after the Hospital Corporation of America offered an interest plan that would make it easier for the city to fund it. CBJ was also taking a vote considering a possible new electoral structure for the Board of Education. The potential closure of the Capitol Elementary School has raised criticism from Mendenhall Valley residents, as they believed that they were not being properly represented; the Board was only composed of downtown Juneau and Douglas members. The new system would require school board members to be elected by location.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire intern Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
