A preferred alternative is expected to be announced this month for the revised Juneau Access Project’s Environmental Impact Statement.
Governor Bill Walker has been lobbied by road advocates who’d like to see a road connect the capital with the ferry shuttle systems in Haines and Skagway.
Deputy Director Emily Ferry with the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council says he recently traveled along that proposed route to hear from residents.
Ferry: “Packed crowds, pretty much unanimous opposition to the project from Haines and Skagway which has been consistent for the past 20 years or so but then the governor got to hear that from people firsthand.”
She says the road maintenance would add unnecessary expenses to Alaska’s tight budget, saying it makes more sense to invest in ferry alternatives.
Arguments for the road include the fact that it will be about 90 percent federally funded, it could provide state jobs, and it’ll cut down on travel time between Juneau and the rest of Alaska.
Walker put the Juneau Access Project on hold when he initially took office, but never shut it down. A decision from him on what route to pursue is expected soon.