FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2016
Juneau – With the release of his budget today, Governor Walker announced his decision to select the “no build” alternative for the Juneau Access Road project to improve transportation between Juneau and the northern Lynn Canal communities of Haines and Skagway. Governor Walker originally paused the project in January of 2015 but allowed the completion of the Record of Decision, a federal decision document, in order to assure reimbursement for the work done to date.
“I think the Governor has made the right decision given our current fiscal situation, especially because the increased operational costs would have been added to the Department of Transportation’s budget if one of the build options had been selected,” said Rep. Sam Kito (D-Juneau). “My experience as an engineer has taught me to look closely at promises and pitfalls of any situation and, in balance, the Juneau Access project raised more red flags than green for me.”
The cost of constructing the Juneau Access Road has been estimated at $574 million, with an additional $5 million in annual operating and maintenance costs. In announcing the decision to not build the road, Governor Walker cited the ongoing fiscal crisis in Alaska and the need to send available funding to the highest-priority projects.
“By stopping this project the state can reallocate $38.6 million to the region’s other pressing transportation infrastructure needs,” said Rep. Kito. “I support the Governor’s effort to consult with stakeholders in the region to determine the best use of that money.”
The planning for the Juneau Access Road project dates back to 1993 and over the years several different alternatives were considered. By choosing the no-build alternative, the state of Alaska will not have to repay $28 million in federal funds that have been spent on the project. Additionally, the state will consult with the federal government on how to best reallocate about $6 million in remaining federal earmarks for the project.
For more information, please contact House Majority Coalition Press Secretary Mike Mason at (907) 444-0889.
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