Sponsor Statement for SB 3: Approp: Env. Assess. Northern Denali Access.

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Session:
State Capitol, Room 121
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4797
Fax: (907) 465-3884

Interim:
post office:
119 N. Cushman, Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99701-2879
location:
3340 Badger Road.
North Pole, AK 99705
Phone: (907) 488-0857
Fax: (907) 488-4271

An Act making a special appropriation for studies for the northern access into Denali National Park and Preserve; and providing for an effective date.

Released: January 22, 2001

Senate Bill 3 appropriates $330,000 from the general fund to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for an environmental analysis and other necessary studies for the northern access into Denali National Park and Preserve. The money is intended to match $1.32 million allocated as High Priority Funds in the federal 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The Legislature has previously passed two resolutions: HJR 28 in 1994 supported increased access near Mt. McKinley through establishment of a visitor activity area at Kantishna, and SJR 25 in 1997 supported enhancement of visitor access through development of a northern railroad route. Despite those resolutions and the fact that the federal government categorized the project in its High Priority funds, the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program does not include matching money until 2002. While recognizing that appropriations are usually considered in the context of a larger spending measure, I introduced SB 3 at the urging of Senator Frank Murkowski to generate discussion and highlight the need for this important project.

A northern access route would both increase the number of visitors, currently restricted by vehicle capacity limits, and expand the shoulder and winter tourist seasons. The concept of a northern access route has been endorsed by the National Park System Advisory Board (Resolution 12/14/94); the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce; the Fairbanks North Star Borough; the Anchorage Municipal Assembly; the City of Nenana; the Anchorage Star of the North Chamber of Commerce; the City of Seward; the Alaska Visitor's Association; the Anchorage Convention and Visitor's Bureau; and the Associated General Contractors of Alaska, among others.

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