On Dec. 4, 1986, Gov. Steve Cowper appointed Fairbanks lawyer Grace Schaible as attorney general and legislative analyst Garrey Peska as head of the administration department for his administration.
While other departments gained new leadership, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities encountered new problems. A glitch was discovered in the department’s accounting system, forcing the Federal Highway Administration to block the state from receiving funding until the system was fixed. Thankfully, officials announced that a long-term solution for the problem had already been determined and that the department was working to fix the system to ensure the much-needed $150 million was given to the state.
Meanwhile, Alaska’s future revenue estimates showed a slight increase. The Cowper Administration took the forecast with little hope, instead opting to continue their cautious route when planning the state budget.
“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.
