Ketchikan: Gift Honoring the Memory of Ken Eichner Funds KMC Memorial Garden - It’s not uncommon in a small, remote community for everyone to jump and help in the case of an emergency. Longtime Ketchikan resident Ken Eichner was one of those people. As a pilot and business owner, he used his talents and resources to care for people by participating in rescues and medivacs from remote areas of Southeast Alaska.

Ken Eichner
Photo courtesy TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc.

The Eichner Family is honoring Ken’s commitment by giving a gift to PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center Foundation in his memory. Their donation provides the resources for a very special outdoor garden space—the Ken Eichner Healing Garden—which is sure to be enjoyed by patients, families and caregivers alike.

“Although this gift is the largest individual gift to the hospital in the Foundation’s history, its significance has as much to do with the meaning as it does the actual dollar amount. By providing Ketchikan Medical Center with the funds needed to construct the garden area, the Eichners have furthered the work begun by Ken Eichner in providing care and comfort for people when they are in need,” said Patti Mackey, President of the Ketchikan Medical Center Foundation. “Their investment is inspiring and serves as a reminder to all of us to do what we can to help others.”

In 2004, Ken Eichner was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Wright Brothers' Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe piloting. His dedication and commitment also received widespread recognition in 2007 when the Helicopter Association International awarded him the Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award. The award announcement specifically noted Eichner’s volunteer efforts: “Eichner helped form the Ketchikan Volunteer Search and Rescue Squad…Eichner himself made many rescues. During his first rotor wing rescue, Eichner landed in the White River Valley to save a local minister. Another rescue involved a stranded goat hunter. Eichner and a colleague flew in treacherous winter weather, set up camp for two days in a cave, and flew the hunter to safety once visibility improved. Still another involved an airline crash in Ketchikan, which prompted Eichner to put TEMSCO’s entire inventory into the air to help…The list of rescues demonstrates Eichner’s bravery, commitment, and personal sacrifices during the course of his career.” - More...
Thursday PM - February 19, 2015

Alaska: Amendments Restore Money to Ferry Service, Homeless Programs, & Community Jails - Wednesday, Governor Bill Walker submitted four major changes, adding $350,000 to his fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 31, 2016) budget.

Governor Walker reallocated $6.3 million within the Department of Transportation from roads and highways on a one-time basis to ensure the ferry system can continue services already scheduled.

“There are many families who already purchased their ferry tickets for their once-in-a-lifetime vacations to Alaska,” Governor Walker said. “We want to ensure that service is available to them, as well as to Alaskans, in the coming year. We don’t want to balance the budget on the backs of the traveling public.”

Governor Walker also amended his budget to ensure continued funding for programs that help the homeless. He added $9.2 million for the basic homeless assistance program.

“Taking the money out was an unintended consequence of submitting a stripped-down capital budget,” said Office of Management and Budget Director Pat Pitney. “Putting the money back in is a cost-effective way to address issues that could be costly for our communities. It reduces overall costs in corrections and health and social services.” - More...
Thursday PM - February 19, 2015

Alaska: Governor Appoints New AGDC Board Members; Creators of AGDC urge thorough review of qualifications of new board members - Governor Bill Walker appointed three new members today to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation’s Board of Directors. Governor Walker also detailed his plans to upsize and increase the volume of the Alaska Stand Alone Pipeline (ASAP), as well as continue development of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (AK LNG) project.

Governor Walker wrote in his recently published editorial: “What it comes down to is this: We will work with the producers to continue to develop the AK LNG project. With ASAP, we will work with gas buyers to secure the opportunities the market offers. Whichever project is first to produce a solid plan, and conditions acceptable to the state, will get the state’s full support. Or, perhaps the two projects could be combined at some point along the way.”

Governor Walker said he is confident his newly appointed Alaska Gasline Development Corporation team will help Alaska to be the owner state it is meant to be.

Rick Halford of Dillingham, Joe Paskvan of Fairbanks and Hugh Short of Anchorage (formerly the mayor of Bethel) will join AGDC’s governing body, which oversees efforts to develop liquefied natural gas in Alaska.

“I am pleased to welcome these three talented Alaskans to our team,” said Governor Walker. “Bringing our natural gas to Alaskans and the world market is one of my top priorities as Governor. I am confident that with these additional members, the AGDC Board is on track to make that happen.”

However, House Speaker Mike Chenault and Representative Mike Hawker, architects of the legislation creating the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, urged a diligent review of the qualifications of the three new board members appointed today by Gov. Bill Walker.

AGDC board members are appointed by the Governor and serve at the Governor’s pleasure, but must be confirmed by the Legislature. In January, Walker fired three key board members with significant expertise in advancing Alaska’s interests in a large natural gas pipeline and LNG project.

“As with any appointments subject to legislative confirmation, we’ll conduct a thorough examination of these new appointees, their experience, and their qualifications,” Chenault, R-Nikiski, said. “We went to great lengths in the legislature to ensure that AGDC would be as far removed from politics as possible, having learned from past projects that real success is built not on hopes and dreams, but on technical, commercial, and financial know-how, with decisions driven by economic realities and not by politics.” - More...
Thursday PM - February 19, 2015