ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – The Alaska Permanent Fund dividend was finalized at $992 and distribution is expected to begin early this year because of economic impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic, state department officials said.

The state Department of Revenue made the announcement Friday, saying payments are expected to begin July 1 instead of in October.

"We are in extraordinary times. We need to make sure that the people of Alaska have cash in their hands to help in this economy," Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in May. "I can't think of a better time to do that than now, but we...