Sponsor Statement for SB 251

Herman Leirer Road

Senate Bill 251 renames the Exit Glacier Road near Seward the "Herman Leirer Road".

The Exit Glacier Road is the only vehicle access route to the Exit Glacier, a formation of the Harding Icefield near Seward, Alaska. Since the improvement to the road, that glacier has become a popular tourism destination on the Kenai Peninsula, helping the economy of the area.

Herman Leirer was a solid supporter of opening up that road for the benefit of the public and tourist alike. He was instrumental in promoting and developing the road after the earthquake and continued to support and encourage further road improvement. A major portion of that road is now part of the Kenai Fjord's Park.

Mr. Leirer moved to Seward in 1924, where he resided until his death this past fall. He is remembered in the Seward area for his countless time and energy to numerous projects to make Seward a better community. As a principal supporter of opening up this transportation route, renaming it on his behalf is an appropriate measure.

SS SB 251: S(TRA): 1/26/98: mj