Wrangell Sentinel -

Tourism-dependent Skagway has started using one-quarter of the $2 million gift it received last year from Norwegian Cruise Line to pay out unemployment benefits to eligible residents.

The first round of aid went out this month, totaling $112,500, the maximum monthly payout authorized by the borough assembly.

The borough received 75 applications for December’s jobless aid, paid out in January, Borough Clerk Steve Burnham Jr. said Jan. 26. The next round of applications, for January’s unemployment, are due Feb. 7.

Though the program set a maximum of $2,400 per month, per eligible resident...