Legislature passes bill to build new road from Juneau to Skagway

[LdyGuique]

It may that some of you Alaskans are world-weary about political arguments about moving the state capital from Juneau; however, I suspect that this issue is far from dead.

As a history afficianado, I've been aware of many of the strange battles that have been waged over various state capitals. While some states have had one continuous historical track of where the capital was built and remains to this day, others have waged a battle royale and the capital has moved at least once. And, most state capitals are not the major metro or economic hubs of states, but are usually placed somewhat central for easy access by most state denizens.

I've known about Juneau being landlocked for years, but that was about it. One of those goofy things that happens. Since I've been up here, I've started to recognize that not only is it landlocked, but that it's not anywhere close to a geodectic center of the state. Fairbanks would seem to be the more realistic location and far more accessible to the widest range of local residents.

Today, ADN is running an article, "Alaska lawmakers give approval for Juneau to Skagway road" to the initial tune of $281 million. And, the political infighting that brought it to a vote with little warning or discussion has all of the earmarks of "olde tyme politics."

This jogged my memory over the recent architectural design contest for a new Capitol building to be built in Juneau. How much is it supposed to cost? Geeze, $100 million.

I decided to do some research on the "history of Juneau as the State Capital of Alaska," and found that it's been a highly controversial issue for years. (Well, cool, at least I'm not the lone idiot for thinking that Juneau is a ridiculous location for the state capital.)

The Alaska Division of Elections has a good table of all of the ballot issues about the capital, "MOVING THE CAPITAL --A History of Ballot Measures." Talk about a political mess o'worms.

Additional research indicates that quite a few Alaskans have questioned the need for a new $100 million Capitol and they have perceived that it is to be built to solidify Juneau's position as the capital -- in fact, they are ponying up most of the money for it. Add in this new road to make Juneau land-accessible, and voila` -- they will definitely remain the capital, but still way off the beaten track and far from the center of the state.

I do believe that this issue will grow in time as there are vested interests both pro and against the state capital remaining in Juneau and if these capital expenditures for a new road and capitol building proceed, it's a done deal for Juneau.

[bridgit]

1. its all part of the:

would-be alaska full employment and keep them thinking erroneously that they are not IN FACT NOT part of the lower 48+1 for reals act of 2005 going forward with all that "we are god's only & true country" fucking bullshit imo

chip the bastards off cross the land-bridge, and let them deal with their ancient ancestors...china!!!

[LdyGuique]

4. Not entirely sure what point you're attempting to make here,

but it definitely appears to be perjorative.

[bridgit]

5. boyfriends niece lives in alaska...

at her level = no fancy oil producing job, shall we say, they are freaked about having to go off the oil dole after so many years. not much else to cash in on; shall we mention further. i was with him in a bar when a crusty old alaskan stated rather bluntly through the blow hole-fuzz box in his neck created via throat cancer, "fuck the lower 48..." with a vengence i add.

sure, you can't judge a book by its cover. so why judge me?

:shrug:

[LdyGuique]

6. Nothing I said before was in judgment of you, Bridjit -- this is

You obviously have some severe prejudices about Alaska and what it takes to stay alive up here. It is good that you live in the fine state Capital of California.

However, since California is running a gravely deficit budget, none of its oil resources come back to help its citizens, and all forms of pollution are rampant, I'd say it is a simple case of jealousy.

[bridgit]

7. my boyfriend worked for a company in pasadena, ca...

who built your pipeline, i'll thank him on your behalf.

though perhaps none so prejudice as the opinions i've personally witnessed where alaskans are oft time preformed toward the lower 48+1.

or, for that matter, here in the du 'lounge'

imo

[LSparkle]

2. Or maybe they're just preparing for the transit of ANWR oil?

[LdyGuique]

3. no -- oil would move through the pipeline

The pipeline is currently running at half capacity due to the drop in oil pumping. There are already roads that run from Anchorage pretty much due north to the slope (although, it's gravel most of the way beyond Fairbanks).

This new roadway is 68.1 mi and would connect Juneau into the road system that currently exists.

It's just that it'll likely take more than $281 million and coupled with the cost of a new capitol building, it's a sizable chunk of change that might better be applied to moving the capital to a more central location.

[Blue_In_AK]

8. Don't let them get you down, LdyGuique...

Alaska bashing seems to be alive and well, hmm? Doncha just love it when the Outsiders want to act like they know more about Alaska than the Alaskans do?

[LdyGuique]

9. Thanks, Blue

Well, i'm a'larnin' :)

Still playing catchup, but it required great effort to get here and I'm like any other convert: fiercely loyal. I still don't have my proverbial feet under me yet, but it'll happen.

[cleofus1]

10. the more roads the better

I would love to see roads built all over the state...sure it would cost too much to maintain all of them...i don't anticipate they'll be putting that much money into alaskan infrastructure...but a road to juneau would be cool...
i oppose the capital move...i think there is too much power in anchorage as it is...to have all the centers of power in anchorage would be devastating to the rural areas...

you might as well change the name of the state...

just call it the state of Anchorage...

[LdyGuique]

11. I agree about Anchorage -- but what about Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is very central to most of Alaska. It has some infrastructure and plenty of land.

I think building a capital from scratch is prohibitively expensive and parking it in Anchorage would drive land prices up here even more.

[cleofus1]

12. fairbanks is a good comprimise

but i do not feel strongly that it must be moved...

but i could live with square banks

[cleofus1]

13. compromise

nt

[Ken Burch]

14. I'd like to see more railroads and expanded ferry service

Murkowski has been doing everything he could to kill the Marine Highway(raising rates, changing ferry schedules without public notice, reducing service to Prince Rupert and Skagway(thus cutting off Southeast Alaska from the rest of the state and the Lower 48 by road for much of the time)and has insisted on carrying through the purchase of fast ferries which are too expensive and are showing themselves incapable of functioning in Alaska waters.

Railroads would have a smaller footprint, could be protected from the many avalanche routes between Haines and Juneau by tunneling, and could be equipped to carry cars as the train to Whittier currently is.

Furthermore, railroad jobs, unlike roadbuilding jobs, would be union and permanent.

As to the ferries, in addition to increased service and better advertising of available services and schedule changes,
there should also be a major reduction of ferry rates(for both passenger tariff and stateroom fees) and complimentary meals for those who purchase staterooms.

The road to Juneau is a scam to destroy the Marine Highway and put union people out of work. No Democrat worthy of the name can support it with a clear conscience.

[LdyGuique]

15. Thank you, Ken

That's the kind of background info that I lack due to being a newcomer.

[Ken Burch]

16. Anytime, Ldy

[Boreas]

29. Right On Ken

They're destroying the Marine Highway on "Full Ahead." Just look at the current schedule and mix of ships: the Taku is replacing the Malaspina that was supposed to replace the Matanuska, etc. Passengers who reserved staterooms last year are sleeping on the decks between the recliner chairs. That'll bring 'em back for sure. You couldn't be more right about the loss of the union jobs. (A good thing, the loss of union jobs, anyhow, anyplace, that's their motto.) It's driven by the same logic that shafted future State of Alaska employees with the new 401k style retirement instead of defined benefits. Residents of Southeast have told the Republicans loud and clear that they want more ferry service, not a road, but it's the same old right wing Ideology full speed ahead.

[Bandit]

17. I live in Juneau and I am for the road

My wife is against it. The city of Juneau is split the same way. I want some of this beautiful land opened up so I can enjoy it. They want everything locked up so no one has access unless you own a large boat or plane. Berners Bay has some of the best fishing on earth and I would love to enjoy it. I have no other means of getting there and ferries don't stop along the way to Skagway.

[Ken Burch]

18. You sound like a contractor

In fact, you sound like you are repeating a bunch of Alaska Republican "phrases of the day" in your arguement.

And that fishing will get trashed if there are tons of cars rolling by there every day.

Buy yourself a boat.

[cleofus1]

19. let them eat cake...eh....

build more roads...i can't afford a boat...or a plane for that matter...give me the option to hop in my vehicle...pack the wife and kids and a cooler...and off we go to juneau...or berners bay or wherever...one again a road to juneau or to nome would be very difficult to maintain, but boy wouldn't that be a hell of a drive!

[Toots]

20. What makes you assume the road is a Republican idea?

You sound quite ignorant of the area and the people. Did you know that Juneau is the largest city in North America without road access? It is fine for you to get in your car and drive anyplace you wish but for others hell no. I've got mine.. well I agree with Bandit on this issue and it is up to Juneauites IMHO and not people who know nothing about the issue or the country. I would say the fisheries is far more endangered by boaters than automobile traffic. Have you ever been to Berners Bay?

[Ken Burch]

28. I AM a Juneauite.

And I am very suspicious of the motives of many of the pro-road people. From what I can see, a lot of them are contractors and road building companies whose main motivation is to get on the gravy train.

Rail transit, with its smaller footprint, its greater environmental sensitivity and its union jobs, is to my mind a better solution for connecting Southeast Alaska with the rest of the country by land.

You could even use car trains, as the Alaska Railroad does up north, to make it a realistic approach for those who wished to drive.

[cleofus1]

21. that's not true

"And that fishing will get trashed if there are tons of cars rolling by there every day"

have your ever been to the kenai river during fishing season...i think semi inteligent engineers can figure out how to run a road for access without killing the fishing...they've been doin that for hundreds of years....


by the way....hi ken! long time no argue with!

[Ken Burch]

22. Hello cleofus.

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cleofus1]

24. waddya mean "if" I'm a democrat....

i you think you can win an argument by implying that disagreeing with you makes me a repug...you're wrong...

actually i think a sensible combination of both...in a perfect world we'd have those moving sidewalks like in the jetsons...

[Ken Burch]

25. I wasn't saying you weren't a Democrat

I was simply saying(and I should have clarified this)why it seemed logical for a Democrat to favor mass transit and union jobs or car culture and non-union jobs that will all go to out-of-staters.

I still don't understand why the AFL-CIO up here has gotten so totally buffaloed about the jobs potential of ANWR. They should know better than to trust the bosses on that kind of thing.

[snowbear]

26. I came to the conclusion that Cleofus..

..is a progressive and awesome Alaskan, who flys with the Eagles.. and maybe works with some turkeys ;)

Well.. 'cept for Kurt! ;)

Hey Cleo.. I got to see Kurt "Voice of the Seawolves" today!! Our wonderful mayor was proclaiming today "Alaska Aces Day" downtown, and along with the entire Aces team.. And Kurt came along to watch them receive all their goodies from the city.

We had a good time talking about hockey in the sunshine.. 5 more months and I'll hear him on the radio again! Does he work at your station during the off-season? I forgot to ask him .. Anyway.. he's great! :)

[cleofus1]

27. he does the news in the afternoon...

one of the nicest guys you'd ever like to meet.