Emily Goodykoontz

The grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration will go toward the Don Young Port of Alaska’s massive modernization project.

The city is in final negotiations for a $2.3 million contract with a property management company to open more shelter beds.

An effort to include funding to explore independent civilian oversight of Anchorage police failed.

The move comes after a recent spike in fatal pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

Proposed projects include four-season trail facilities, an aquatic center and a children’s museum.

The proposed budget amendment would fund a national group to explore the oversight concept. Some police employees oppose the concept already.

A recent study by UAA economists found that the sales tax would impact low-income residents the most, while largely reducing property taxes for businesses.

Assembly Vice Chair Meg Zaletel called the measures “big milestones in a very long-term project.”

The Anchorage Assembly is set to vote Wednesday on a slate of measures related to the port modernization project.

The municipality’s 200-bed shelter contract with nonprofit Henning Inc. is coming online this week. Plans for another 200 beds are still in the works, city officials say.

The HOPE Team’s goals include helping connect homeless residents to services and to “establish positive police contacts,” said Lt. Brian Fuchs with the Anchorage Police Department.

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said her administration will soon roll out a “detailed,” updated snow removal plan.

On Tuesday, the Anchorage Assembly also approved the sale of the city’s unbuilt prefabricated Sprung Structure to the Port of Alaska for $2.39 million. The money will fund shelter services.

The rates of cold injuries among people without housing in Alaska also steadily rose from 2012 through 2021.

Catholic Social Services will take over management of the city’s 200-bed shelter on 56th Avenue starting next week.