The average fuel price in Fairbanks is $4.44 a gallon, a bit more than a penny above the Anchorage average and 75 cents above the national average.

At the beginning of March, the price in Fairbanks was about 40 cents a gallon above the U.S. average.

While national average prices have dropped, the West Coast has seen a different picture. Since Tesoro controls the gasoline market in Alaska and has operations on the West Coast, the recent price spike in Alaska may be linked to the rise down south.

Another factor may be the continuing price differential between the price of Alaska North Slope crude and West Texas crude. The West Texas benchmark is down to about $92, while Alaska North Slope crude is close to $109.

Since May 7 West Texas prices are down by $5.37, while Alaska North Slope prices are down by $3.29 a barrel.

One of the California refineries closed for maintenance was the Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery in Martinez, the LA Times reported on May 8.

The Times said that three other refineries out of the 12 in California were closed, largely for maintenance. A complicating factor is that two small refineries have been shut down in recent years.

"The two fuel refineries that closed, one in Bakersfield and one in the Los Angeles, are small. But their absence can have an outsized effect on gasoline prices because there is little supply cushion. Now, four of the remaining 12 refineries are shut temporarily, mostly for maintenance, according to state petroleum statistics," the Times said.

There are also assertions that the gasoline blends required in California mean that the state cannot get fuel from other states to alleviate that shortage.

None of this answers the question, however, of why Alaska prices are rising along with those in California. 

On May 3, in a corporate earnings conference call, Tesoro Executive Vice President Dan Romasko said that "turnarounds" were planned for its Kenai refinery in the second quarter of the year and for its operation in Hawaii.

"Slightly lower throughput rates in the Pacific Northwest and Mid-Pacific regions reflect planned turnaround activity at our Alaska and Hawaii refineries," the company said of its projections for the second quarter.

Tesoro doesn't report results for Alaska as a region, choosing instead to lump it in with the Northwest.

So it could be that the higher costs in Alaska now reflect West Coast imports temporarily replacing Alaska production.

On  Monday, AAA offered this analysis of gasoline price trends: "Since the year-to-date peak price of $3.94 on April 6, the national average has fallen for 41 of 45 days and decreased 25 cents during this period."

But Alaska and the western states of the Lower 48 have seen price increases, "driven by dwindling gasoline supplies and refinery shutdowns and maintenance."

The national average Monday was $3.69.

In Fairbanks, prices have risen 10 cents a gallon in the last month and are now 21 cents higher than a year ago.

On Friday, USA Today quoted Tupper Hull, spokesman for Western States Petroleum Association, as saying that unexpected maintenance and other problems at refineries have caused the West Coast price rise.

The newspaper said critics charge that the lack of competition on the West Coast allows companies to keep prices high even when crude prices are dropping.

"Our concern is a lack of competition at the refinery level in California," says Charles Langley, gasoline analyst at Utility Consumers' Action Network in San Diego, told USA Today. "We're not saying there's a conspiracy. It's just that with this few competitors, it's very easy to game prices by turning off capacity."

The Housing First program, offering a place to stay for chronic inebriates in Fairbanks, has opened in part of the old Fairbanks Inn on South Cushman Street.

The goal is to reduce homelessness among alcoholics and provide a place to stay where sobriety is not required. There were seven people living in the building last week and the number is expected to gradually increase, the Fairbanks City Council was told Monday.

So far, city police said there have been no public safety problems. The idea behind the grant-funded program is that secure housing is a necessary first step in getting people to develop the skills they need to become more self-sufficient.

In the Fairbanks area, the proposed transfer of the F-16 jets from Eielson Air Force Base has been at the top of the priority list, with considerable local opposition to the idea.

And actions by members of our delegation to seek to reverse or delay that project have been much in the headlines. This process is being repeated elsewhere in America, which illustrates just how sensitive military cutbacks can be.

This is one of the reasons that the Eielson transfer cannot be looked at in isolation.

For instance, the story that ran at the top of our front page Monday under the headline "Young's amendment could aid Eielson," dealt with a provision that would make the Air Force prove its plan would save money.

In the Beaver County Times in Pennsylvania, the story on the same bill and same amendment began this way: "The House of Representatives on Friday approved a defense appropriations bill that would make it more difficult for the Pentagon to close military bases such as the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township.

"The bill contains a provision drafted by local legislators, including U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-18, Upper St. Clair Township, that would close a loophole in existing laws, which currently allow bases with fewer than 300 civilian employees to be shut down without congressional approval."

Other provisions in the bill also won praise for the protection of other installations across the country.

The Daily Oklahoman said: "Among the moves that would be blocked by the bill is cancellation of an aircraft modification program that employs workers scheduled to move to Oklahoma City. The legislation would require a study before the Air Force could cancel a contract to upgrade the cockpits of C-130s. About half of the 550 Boeing Co. jobs scheduled to transfer from California to Oklahoma City this year are devoted to the contract."

The Sentinel & Enterprise in Fitchburg, Mass., said the bill would protect Hanscom Air Force Base: "This language simply states that the Air Force cannot diminish Hanscom's capabilities or its important work without congressional approval and is the first step in protecting Hanscom's mission going forward," said Rep. Niki Tsongas, a Lowell, Mass. Democrat.

The Northwest Florida Daily News said: "The U.S. House approved the National Defense Authorization Act on Friday, including language critical to keeping the Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base. Rep. Jeff Miller introduced a paragraph that would require the Air Force to keep the Air Armament Center at Eglin unless a future Base Realignment and Closure commission decides it doesn't need to be there."

The Tonawanda News in New York said:  "A piece of legislation approved by federal lawmakers on Friday may bode well for the future of service men and women assigned to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station."

"The House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act, a piece of legislation governing military spending for the coming fiscal year. This year's bill included an amendment that would prohibit the U.S. Air Force from retiring any aircraft in 2013, including C-130 cargo planes operating out of the base in the Falls."

The Telegraph Herald in Dubuque said that Iowa Rep. Bruce Braley praised "language that would block the Air Force from following through on its threat to eliminate more than 700 jobs at the 132nd Iowa National Guard Fighter Wing based at the Des Moines airport."

The Providence Journal in Rhode Island said: "As part of a $642-billion defense budget, the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday rejected an Obama administration proposal to throttle back construction of Virginia-class, fast-attack nuclear submarines, built in Rhode Island and Connecticut by General Dynamics Electric Boat."

The Albuquerque Journal said:"In voting for the defense bill Friday, (Rep. Martin) Heinrich trumpeted his work in staving off a Defense Department recommendation to end the Operationally Responsive Space and Space Test Programs at Kirtland Air Force Base. Heinrich said the bill includes $25 million for the continuation of the ORS and $45 million for the continuation of the STP."

The Lima News in Ohio said: "For the second year in a row, the House has rejected the Administration's short-sighted proposal to end tank production in Lima," (Rep. Jim) Jordan said. "Stopping Abrams tank upgrades would cost far more money in the long run than it could possibly save in the short term. I am pleased that my colleagues agree that the best choice for cost savings is also in the best interest of our national defense."

Utah Rep. Bob Bishop said: "The legislation includes provisions that impact bases and military installations in Utah, including the Ogden Air Logistics Center (ALC). With President Obama singling out the DoD for massive cuts in spending, there is growing pressure from private industry to reduce maintenance workloads traditionally done at military depots, such as Ogden Air Logistics Center. To ensure that the Ogden ALC continues to serve as one of the primary and premier maintenance depots in this country, Congressman Bishop included an amendment that codifies the ongoing role of ALCs with regards to support, maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of equipment for the warfighter, essential weapons systems, and software."

Michigan Rep. Candice Miller said: "For the last few months members of the 107th Fighter Squadron based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and those who support the Michigan Air National Guard have been very concerned about the Obama Administrations proposed cuts that would have eliminated the 107th along with over 500 jobs. Today I was proud to vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 that fully protects not only the 107th Fighter Squadron from cuts, but also Air National Guard Units across the country and which passed with a strong bipartisan vote."

Alabama Rep. Martha Roby said she inserted an amendment to make sure that no unjustified cuts happen at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, opposing plans to retire or move seven C-130s from the 908th Airlift Wing.

"As your representative, it is my duty to provide oversight for decisions made in Washington that affect our area. Therefore, I offered an amendment to the annual defense bill mandating that the Air Force provide a detailed explanation of the methodology used in its decisions regarding force structure changes to the 908th. The amendment also calls on the Government Accountability Office to determine if the Air Force's rationale makes good sense for both military personnel and taxpayers," she said in her weekly column in the Dothan Eagle.

She said it is "encouraging that our Alabama delegation is willing to stand united in our effort to maintain Alabama's robust defense footprint."

Ohio Rep.  Bob Gibbs said: "Today, I am proud to support a bill that includes a pay increase for our troops, prevents the Obama Administration from drastically increasing military's healthcare fees, and saves the Mansfield's Air National Guard 179th Airlift Wing."

"Forcing the American taxpayers to foot the bill for planes that just rolled off the assembly line only to be sent to the junkyard is unthinkable. That is why I am glad this legislation halts the Air Force's short-sighted and disproportionate cuts to Ohio's Air National Guard. In addition to affecting roughly 800 jobs in Mansfield, eliminating the C-27J program would have impacted domestic relief efforts due to their unmatched ability to be first responders in times of crisis."

Iowa Rep. Steve King said:  "I voted for the 2012 NDAA reauthorization to show my support for our military, and specifically the Iowa Air National Guard."

"President Obama's proposal to scale back the mission of the Iowa Air National Guard with the removal of the F-16s from Des Moines and a KC-135 from Sioux City made no sense from a financial or security stand point. I appreciate the efforts of Governor Branstad and Major General Orr of the Iowa National Guard who helped to galvanize support for Congressional action amongst other Governors and Adjutant Generals from across the county."

"I was pleased to support the NDAA on the floor today to ensure that these aircraft stay in Iowa, that the ranks of Iowa's Air National Guard are not diminished, and that the National Guard continues to remain a vibrant component of our national defense."

The construction crews working to  replace the water lines under Illinois Street inched toward the western wall of the Immaculate Conception Church today, a delicate undertaking because the church building is more than 100 years old.

To help protect the church from excessive vibration, electronic monitoring equipment has been set up inside the building that will send an alarm to a structural engineer when the movement reaches 40 percent of the level that a building of that age is able to handle.

Structural engineer Keith Korri of Anchorage is keeping close tabs on the building via the equipment that is set up to give him an alert on his mobile phone when the 40 percent level is reached. So far the movement has been below that standard, which he said provides a good margin of safety.

He has also told the church workers to talk to HC Contractors if and when something seems amiss.

Inside the church the first sign that vibration preparations are an issue is the temporary removal of the crucifix from the front of the church. 

In addition, the statues of Mary and Joseph have been removed from their elevated perches and placed on the main floor of the church.

Korri has monitored the vibration levels in the church on three previous occasions, going back to the early 1990s.

The first video below, taken earlier this month, shows Korri making an close inspection of the stained glass windows in the church while Donna Gavora was practicing the organ.

 The second video does not convey the same meditative mood as the first.

It shows the HC Contractors crew digging down to the water line that extends to the church and the fire hydrant today. When the heavy equipment is operating within six feet of a building and right next to a fire hydrant and water pipes, the mechanical arm has to be handled by an operator who knows that every inch counts.

Regarding the vibration inside the church, the industry standard for movement is .5 inches per second for a building like ICC, said Korri. The machine he has installed in the crawl space is set to go off when the movement is .2 inches per second. He said he wants to solve any problem before it becomes a problem and the 40 percent threshold offers that protection.

Korri also said the stained glass windows in the church should be OK, in part because they are made up of many pieces that allow some flexibility and the absorption of energy.

Here is an exchange between Sen. Lisa Murkowski and EPA administrator Lisa Jackson on the Healy power plant that GVEA would like to get back in production.

It took place at an Interior Appropriations Subcommittee hearing last Wednesday on the $8.3 billion EPA budget.

Many Alaska issues came up during the discussion, ranging from Bristol Bay to cruise ship fuel pollution. At one point Murkowski asked about the Healy plant.

MURKOWSKI: All right. And then the other one that I -- I would like to bring to your attention, is the Healy clean coal plant that we have been trying to -- to get online since 1991 as an option for the residents in the interior to -- to help them meet their energy needs.

Golden Valley is working with the EPA right now on the appropriate terms for renewable -- renewal of their air permit for the plant. They have been aggressive in -- in trying to resolve ... go through all the hoops, doing what EPA has asked. I met with some of the folks just this past weekend.

I guess I need your assurance that this is something that the agency is going to continue to work with GVEA to find a fair, and hopefully final, conclusion on this.

JACKSON: I'm happy to assure you of that knowing none of the facts. But that doesn't seem unreasonable to ask, so we'll continue.

MURKOWSKI: OK. Well, we'll -- we'll put that one on our to-do list when we meet. 

*****

It is perfectly understandable that the EPA administrator would not be in the loop on a single project in Alaska and her answer was an appropriate one, given her range of responsibilities.

Let's hope that  Jackson pursues this topic and provides a clear response on the EPA position and how best to decide if the plant is to be brought back into production or if it is to be torn down and sold for scrap.

Hundreds of millions have been spent so far and at this point it makes little sense to abandon the project.

The EPA review should also consider the overall impact on air pollution, not just the impact in the Healy area. We have seen nothing to show that the environmental consequences of keeping Healy closed have been looked at in regard to air pollution in Fairbanks. 

The inability to operate this plant helps increase the amount of particulate pollution in the Fairbanks area, as residents struggling with high heating and electric bills are turning increasingly to wood in densely populated parts of the community where stagnant air persists in winter.

Getting the Healy plant running would be a step toward improving public health in Fairbanks.

Just before quizzing Jackson on the Healy plant, Murkowski asked about the potential for delaying the implementation of the particulate matter pollution standards in Fairbanks beyond 2014.

"The biggest problem that Fairbanks has is, they have no other options. They can't turn to natural gas because it's not available there to them. So their options are extraordinarily limited. EPA has provided grant aid to other larger communities to -- to help them meet the PM2.5 issues. Fairbanks has received just some very, very minimal grants from the agencies."

"They are working, they are being aggressive on it. It's not as if they're putting their head in the sand. But -- but they are -- they're -- they're really in a difficult, difficult spot because they have not other options. Again, I'd like you to -- to either give me your sense on this, or -- or consider what options Fairbanks might be able to consider."

Jackson responded, "I promise to look at the options for you, both in funding and in compliance."

 

 

 

Pamela Anthony, a former UAF administrator, is to become Dean of Students at Iowa State University  on Aug. 1.

An Iowa State press release says  Anthony has served as assistant dean of students at Georgia State since 2003.

Earlier in her career she was coordinator of multicultural affairs and area coordinator of residence life at UAF.

 

An hour-long panel discussion Tuesday on Channel 13, "Project Eielson," organized by the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation, is to touch on various aspects of the proposed move of the F-16 jets to Anchorage.

The latest version of the plan shows Fairbanks losing 1,200 military jobs and close to 400 civilian jobs within  a couple of years as a result of transferring the 19 jets to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

This would have an enormous local impact.

At present, Eielson “hosts the only single squadron wing in the Active Duty Air Force,” a line that appears in various Air Force presentations on the matter.

An Air Force report on complete costs of the transfer is due to be released by the end of the month.

The major reductions in personnel would happen in FY 2013, with 542 military jobs moved to Anchorage, and in fiscal year 2015, when 583 military jobs and 345 civilian jobs would be eliminated, the Air Force said in a document dated April 25.

The base would remain open, the Air Force says. 

However, there is concern in Fairbanks that that base would not remain open unless there is something there beyond the 168th Air Refueling Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard.

When asked by Alaska leaders for the financial information about how upwards of $169 million would be saved over the next five years, however, the Air Force has been unable or unwilling to provide details.

Getting more information on the facts and figures has been a major thrust of the local and statewide effort in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley  is scheduled to visit Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson today and Eielson Tuesday, according to an email sent to Fairbanksans working on the Eielson matter.

Donley will meet with local leaders Tuesday at Eielson.

The live TV show is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. with seven local officials discussing what they know of the Eielson plan and what it could mean to Interior Alaska.

The panel members are to include: Jim Dodson, CEO of FEDCO; McHugh Pierre, deputy commissioner of the state of Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Pat Gamble, president of the University of Alaska; Lisa Herbert, CEO of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce; Wes Madden, Fairbanks Realtor; and Jeff Sharp, operations manager of ERA Alaska. Kip Harmon is to be the moderator.

Six local musicians are to be part of a chorus scheduled to perform Thursday afternoon at St. Peter's Basilica  in the  Vatican.

The "Alaskan Festival Singers," under the direction of Byron McGilvary, are to sing at a 5 p.m. mass in the Vatican. The chorus includes musicians selected by McGilvary who live in Fairbanks, Juneau, Barrow and Anchorage, as well as in California, Texas and New York.

One of the local singers, Tom Gross, said they have been told that the Pope may be present.

Gross said the local musicians have been preparing for the two-week tour since late January. The schedule includes performances in Florence, Venice and Lugano/Bellinzona.

The chorus members are to meet in Rome, rehearse Wednesday and sing at the Vatican on Thursday.

McGilvary, long a part of the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, assembled the chorus of more than three dozen singers from the people he has worked with over the years.

The other Fairbanks performers are Janice Trumbull, Jami Spears, Erika Weld, Jimmy Tamai and Roscoe Beadles.

The local sponsors of the appearance of the Moving Wall in Fairbanks say they could use some more volunteers to read the names of the 58,272 Vietnam casualties from 3 p.m. May 31 to noon on June 3.

Readers read in 20 minute blocks; supervisors have one hour blocks. If you would like to sign up to be a reader for the Vietnam names, contact Mark Lomax: mlomax@akeela.org; 328-9196 or 474-8360 Mon-Fri 6-8 pm or Sat-Sun all day.

The names of the Iraq and Afghanistan casualties will be read on Monday, June 4 starting at 9:30 a.m. If you are interested in reading the names from Iraq and Afghanistan go to the following link: http://goo.gl/RFqIp



Volunteers will be able to pick times or list names of those who they would like to read. If there are any questions or if they would prefer to coordinate with Phil Hokenson pchokenson@alaska.edu or 474-2475 or 799-9104.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Strong Women groups are asking their members to support a "cash mob" at Julia's Solstice Cafe during the week of May 21 through May 25.

The cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A cash mob is a group of customers who show up to support a local business.

"We thought of going after our exercise hour, or any time that week. Recognizing the difficulty that construction on Illinois Street has made to accessing the businesses in the area, we hope a small get-together such as this might be an incentive for other groups to make a similar effort for their favorite spots hidden behind all the exciting construction work improving Fairbanks this summer," said Mary Ann Nickles.