Unneeded Road Hurts Alaskan Wildlife

Proposal and savings
Deny funds for the proposed Juneau Access Road which has an estimated cost of $232 million and instead improve the current ferry connection. Do not amend Title 23 USC, Section 218 to allow the Juneau Access Highway to become part of the Shakwak Project Area — the area covering the portions of the Alaska highway system that run through Canada. Amending this statute would allow the Juneau Access project to receive federal funds without requiring the usual 20 percent state matching fund for toll roads and siphon off funds meant to reconstruct other Alaska highways.

Background
The proposed 65-mile Juneau Access Road would connect Juneau, Alaska’s capital, to Skagway. Currently these two towns are linked by ferry service.

Status
The State of Alaska released its Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) in 1997. A Final EIS and Record of Decision are expected in 1999.

Problems with the Project

Taxpayer Concerns
The road would be an expensive and ineffective replacement for the ferry currently running between Juneau and Skagway. While the ferry now runs during inclement weather, the road would be forced to close during hazardous weather conditions, eliminating all service between Juneau and Skagway. According to the DEIS’s avalanche studies, many of the 58 avalanche paths located along the road are powerful enough to force a vehicle off the roadway and into the water. The EIS states that "the proposed Juneau road would have the highest avalanche risk of any road in the entire United States". More reliable and cost-effective alternatives include maintaining and upgrading current ferry services.

Local Community Concerns
The local governments of Haines and Skagway oppose the road because of concern over adverse socioeconomic effects on their communities. By eliminating the most economically viable ferry line in the region, the road will force communities to depend on remaining ferry lines which will require large government subsidies to operate consistently. The majority of comments on the DEIS from Alaskans opposed the road and supported improved ferry service.

Environmental Concerns
The proposed road would cut through the heart of Berners Bay in the Tongass National Forest. This area has been designated by Congress as a Legislated LUD II Area — an area to remain forever roadless and wild in character — and an Aquatic Resource of National Importance by the Environmental Protection Agency. Berners Bay supports a large population of wildlife including salmon, moose, deer, bear, mountain goats and the endangered humpback whale. The road would also affect the Gran Point Sea Lion Haul Out, which is considered a critical habitat by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Contacts
Marc Wheeler, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, (907) 586-6942, marc@seacc.org ; Mark Rorick, Sierra Club, (907) 789-5472.