S.E.A.L.

From the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council Blog:

 

    For two decades the Southeast Alaska Conservation Counsil (SEACC) has blocked efforts to punch a highway through the extraordinary Berners Bay and Lynn Canal. Unfortunately, the idea won’t go away and, if the legislature approves the Governor's plan, construction could very well begin this summer. Alaskans need to speak up and let our elected officials know that this “Road to Nowhere” is a bad idea.

 

    Governor Parnell has unfortunately allocated $35 million for the flawed and destructive “Road to Nowhere” in his 2015 budget proposal.  The Alaska Legislature will begin deliberations on this project starting next week.  For two decades SEACC has blocked efforts to punch a highway through the extraordinary Berners Bay and Lynn Canal.  Unfortunately, the idea won’t go away and, if the legislature approves the appropriation that Governor Parnell proposed, construction could very well begin this summer.  Alaskans need to speak up and let our elected officials know that this “Road to Nowhere” is a bad idea.

    As SEACC members and supporters you are probably all too familiar with the numerous problems associated with this project, but for those who have arrived to Southeast since 2008, when we last fought this project, or anyone who needs a refresher let me review.

    The plan is to end mainline ferry service at Auke Bay and extend the road from Echo Cove an additional 50 miles to just past the Katzehin River.  From there, passengers will embark on a shuttle ferry to Haines or Skagway.  The problems with this project is numerous, here is a quick assessment of them:

    •    Safety through this region will always be a major concern. According to previous studies this road will cross 112 landslides and other hazards.  The road would be unreliable in winter months, and would be closed an estimated 34 days due to avalanche danger.  In 2006, Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) estimated that 8 people would die on this road (over a 40 year period), and an estimated 600 non-fatal accidents would occur.  In over 50 years of operation, there have been no safety related deaths on the marine highway.
    •    This transportation plan eliminates foot and public transportation options. By ending service to the Auke Bay Terminal for Haines and Skagway you eliminate transportation options. This will put additional hardship on the poor and those unable to travel by car.  It also compromises the ability of tourists and people who travel Alaska without a car from accessing different communities.
    •    The price for this mega project is extreme. According to the most recent Alaska Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) the road is projected to cost $520,088,600 but that price leaves out the cost of additional safety measures that will increase the overall price.   A thorough geotechnical study for the 20 miles south of Katzehin was never completed by DOT(phase I was done by Golder Assoc. in 2006 a phase II was not completed); it is safe to assume that this very difficult stretch of land will drive up costs even more.  The maintenance costs will be exorbitant.  Not to mention the additional costs of having two ferry terminals to serve Juneau when only one is necessary.
    •    This road will destroy fish and wildlife habitat. Activities such as adding fill material along the Lace and Antler Rivers in Berner’s Bay for bridge construction as well as a bridge to cross the Katzehin River will adversely affect fish population.  The Road will also pass through major sea lion haul outs and rookeries. Recent studies have noted a steep decline in the Kensington goat population, and the road corridor lies atop key goat winter range.
    •    Alaska is going through a steep decline in revenues. Due to last year’s change in tax policy Alaska will have a $2Billion decrease in revenues.  Even with dramatic cuts in our expenditures the state is projected to dip into its savings to the cost of $2.4Billion.  So with deep cuts already expected in education and social services why are we even considering this wasteful project.
So the big question remains: Due to the dangerous, expensive, and destructive nature of this project, why are we even considering it when a viable alternative option already exists?
     

      Call your legislator today and let them know that you support the Alaska Marine Highway System.  Tell them not to waste our money on this boondoggle.
If you have questions or want to help get involved this legislative session feel free to contact us at 907-586-6942 or email james@seacc.org