Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-05-06) Officials from Petersburg, Wrangell and Angoon may try reconciling their differences over energy issues. Angoon’s mayor has written the mayors of Petersburg and Wrangell to formally propose the towns work together on contested plans for hydro-electric development in Thomas Bay near Petersburg. The letter suggested Angoon may drop its agreement with a private development company. That’s been a sore spot for Petersburg officials who have opposed more extensive, for-profit development plans in the bay, a popular fishing, hunting and tourism area.
Petersburg’s mayor and council discussed the issue this week and were receptive to arranging talks. For the time being, however, they decided to continue their appeal of a federal permitting decision that provided Angoon with an exclusive permit for the project.