No West Su Industrial Access Road Testimony Opportunity

Send in a letter
Send in a letter

The West Susitna Access Road project is currently included the state’s capital budget at the request of the Governor. The Alaska legislature has the power to remove the $95 million appropriation to prevent the flow of both state and federal funding to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for its portion (first 22 miles) of the project.

Testimony opportunity

On Wednesday, April 29th from 4:30-6:30 pm the House Finance Committee is holding public testimony to hear from Alaskans about community needs around the state and the projects the legislature should prioritize. This is our chance to make it clear that the West Susitna Access Road is a waste of limited state resources and not supported by the public.

Background

On July 23, 2024, the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the first phase of the West Susitna Industrial Access Road project. The proposed project is a 100-mile-long industrial road to access gold mining claims and create a haul road to transport the ore. Alaska DOT plans to build the first 22 miles and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) -a state-owned corporation- will build the remaining 78 miles.

As designed, the road would cross 182 waterways and at least 83 salmon streams threatening fish andwildlife habitat and cultural resources, restricting hunting, fishing, subsistence and recreational opportunities and jeopardizing the existing economy and thousands for jobs. If this project is allowed to move forward, Alaska will also be on the hook for at least $600 million to subsidize the largely “private”road to benefit foreign mining companies. Make your voice heard The House Finance Committee is holding public testimony from 4:30-6:30 pm on Wednesday, April 29th

To testify, call the number listed below and ask to be connected to the House Finance Committee to testify on SB 214, the capital budget.

  • From Anchorage assigned phone numbers: 907-563-9085

  • From Juneau assigned phone numbers: 907-586-9085

  • From all other areas: 844-586-9085

Written comments can also be emailed to House.Finance@akleg.gov

Tips for testimony (limited to 2 minutes)

Always speak from the heart. Legislators need to hear why sinking millions of public dollars in the West Su Road to subsidize foreign mining companies would divert public funds away from projects and priorities that you care about in your community. Legislators also want to understand why protecting fish and wildlife habitat, fishing, hunting, subsistence and recreational opportunities and the existing economy in the West Susitna is important to you.

Talking points

Economic talking points:

  • The West Susitna Access Road is a waste of public dollars. $95 million can be better spent elsewhere.

  • We have huge needs across the state and our limited resources should be prioritized on projects that actually benefit Alaskans and Alaska communities.

  • Alaska’s crumbling roads and existing infrastructure needs should be prioritized over a new industrial road in the West Susitna.

  • Alaska has very limited state matching funds to unlock federal funds and we can’t waste millions of dollars on a project that only benefits outside interests.

  • DOT needs to stop deceiving the public about the true "industrial" purpose of the road.

  • The West Su Industrial Access Road has never been about recreation - it is an industrial access road subsidized by the state for the benefit of foreign mining companies.

  • The West Su's remote region supports a thriving existing economy through tourism, freight hauling, construction, and guiding.

  • The West Su region supports thousands of jobs that will be eliminated if the region is repurposed for industrial development.

Fish, wildlife, and cultural resources talking points:

  • Roads that crosscut salmon-bearing rivers have long-term impacts to streams, wetlands and flood plains that eventually destroy salmon habitat and lead to reduced salmon populations.

  • Industrial mining roads increase noise and pollution - displacing game and eliminating hunting opportunities.

  • The West Su region is rich in cultural sites that need to be protected and burial grounds that should remain undisturbed.

  • The West Su region already has remote access and provides world class fishing, hunting and recreational opportunities for Alaskans.