The proposed Knik Arm Bridge has garnered significant press since the inception of the Knik Area Bridge and

Toll Authority (KABATA). Recently, the Anchorage Daily News published two guest editorials with starkly contrasting views of the proposed Knik Arm Bridge. One author clearly articulates a parochial view focused on his ideas of what is good for Anchorage. The other author achieves a broader economic perspective and recognizes that southcentral Alaska's economic future requires a regional approach.

As a Senator from the MatSu working hard to address regional concerns, and as a legislative appointee on KABATA, I have a unique perspective on the bridge. One thing is very apparent: Anchorage and the MatSu are necessarily intertwined in this venture because of the benefits the bridge can bring to the regional economy.

A review of land holdings in Anchorage reveals that Anchorage offers few options for further development. Condominiums, military bases, disputed residential developments and limited acreage zoned for industrial uses put increasing pressure on green belts and parkways in Anchorage. Simply put, Anchorage is out of room to grow. In order to accommodate Anchorage's status as an economic hub, planners must take into account expansion potential beyond the borders of Anchorage.

Currently, the majority of the workforce in Palmer and Wasilla commute into Anchorage each day for work. Due to lack of commercial property, a number of businesses have moved to the MatSu Borough in order to grow. MatSu has experienced unparalleled growth in population, infrastructure, and construction in the last ten years. Unlike Anchorage, the MatSu has room to absorb the increase in population and infrastructure and has a genuine interest in economic development and investment in the MatSu.

The legislature has created the KABATA as the operational authority to build and operate the bridge using toll revenues rather than the state's general fund financing. The Alaska congressional delegation is unanimously committed to helping makes this bridge a reality. This is a win-win situation. Anchorage and the MatSu should support the bridge because

1. the bridge allows Anchorage businesses to expand to the valley but to keep their ties to Anchorage;
2. the bridge opens up untapped land resources for new housing and commercial construction in the MatSu which will in turn pour more dollars into the regional economy;
3. the bridge opens up the port McKenzie area thus affording more options for resource development and transportation to global markets; and
4. the bridge will significantly alter the traffic and congestion between Anchorage and MatSu.

The Bridge is the key to the future of this region and for much of the state. We need to put an end to parochialism and embrace the future of regional success and the Knik Arm Bridge.

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