Ideally all communities and Alaskans would have access to competitive energy, affordable groceries, prompt law enforcement response and protection, and fast access to medical care. But they do not. That is why new roads and connections are necessary. A recent letter to the editor criticized the Kake-Petersburg road. But new roads are necessary for the economic survival of Kake.
In the case of Kake-Petersburg much of the ‘new’ road would be connecting existing United States Forest Service (USFS) roads. I’m not trying to put roads all over our beautiful forest. But there have been virtually no new roads built in Alaska since we became a state. It is time to build this road to stabilize Kake’s economy and keep the community alive.
This road is not just my view. This road has been discussed for over 40 years. It was identified in the Tongass Land Management Plan of 1978 and professional planners at Alaska Department of Transportation reviewed the project in the 2004 and 2014 Southeast Transportation Plans. All of these reports found the road was an “essential” transportation and utility corridor for Southeast Alaska.
I support this project because a road provides access for essential services and eventually, cheaper electricity through an intertie. This road is also a step in the process of helping secure economic pathways for Kake to sell fish competitively, a crucial part of the historic sustainability for the community. Kake fisherman deserve access to these crucial sales avenues.
In 2005, the United States Congress passed a transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU) by a combined vote of 503-12. SAFETEA-LU recognized the importance of the road and granted the state of Alaska a federal easement over national forest land for construction and use. President Bush signed the bill into law.
In 2012, the Alaska Legislature overwhelmingly approved a series of capital projects including this road. Governor Parnell signed the bill into law.
But, a completed road project, as approved by Congress and the Legislature improves access not just between Kake and Petersburg, but also between Wrangell. All three communities should benefit. As we have seen this year, the Marine Highway system is subject to unforeseen conditions such as the Coronavirus and fluctuating budget reductions that can hinder service. A road would ensure that Kake residents can be reached no matter the circumstances.
I do share the concern that DOT is not pursuing the full road project. I have spoken to DOT several times about the need to complete the road, and I believe it will be completed. However, the terminus needs to be within five miles of Petersburg at least, ideally connected to a state dock in protected waters so wave height and wind conditions do not prevent connection into town. The point of the road is to connect essential services in perpetuity. If the terminus of the road is at Cape Straits, marine weather conditions at that location can put families in danger.
Across Alaska, communities suffer when there are no law enforcement services provided to them. If a tragedy occurs in Kake and they need the troopers, the weather could postpone their arrival – sometimes for days. This road would mean the troopers could get to Kake no matter the weather conditions, as the Department of Public Safety commissioner has noted. Similarly, if there is need to evacuate someone from Kake for medical reasons, this road provides options for first responders to make the safest decision they can. Kake is no stranger to tragedy in this regard.
Aside from the short-term job creation during the construction of the road this transportation corridor will foster closer economic growth in central Southeast Alaska. What I am most excited about is the potential of connecting Kake to the Petersburg-Wrangell-Ketchikan power system. Lowering energy costs and reliance on diesel is proven to help a community’s economy and preserve the environment.
There is no doubt that there will be increased community and social connections with a road connection between two island communities. This is a good thing and we need more of it – especially in Southeast Alaska. The census and redistricting cycle is upon us. Increased population in the Railbelt will shift legislative seats from rural to urban Alaska, and Southeast will lose some clout. It is important we recognize population concentration in other parts of Alaska is affecting our political influence and act swiftly to ensure a transportation system of ferries, roads, harbors and airports for Southeast in the future.
I remain squarely committed to the project’s original mission. My office is still working with DOT and the communities of Kake and Petersburg and will do so until the project is complete.
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