Background on Knik Arm Bridge

Why the Bridge is a Bad Idea

1. Cost – A previous engineering estimate and a June 2006 estimate done by the Federal Highway Administration show the bridge costing over $1 billion with two phases of construction: Phase I will send trucks and other traffic into downtown; Phase II will connect the bridge to Ingra-Gambell by 2023.  Contrary to common perception, very little of the bridge project’s cost is covered by federal dollars (even the original earmark – since removed – did not cover a large portion of the project’s costs).  Cost overruns and/or inadequate toll revenue could result in higher property taxes and a local gas tax.
2. Until the Ingra-Gambell connection is built many years from now, trucks will pass through downtown making it less welcoming for tourists and consumers.  Trucks also will accelerate road damage downtown, making repairs more frequent.
3. Anchorage will lose population and tax revenue as a result of the bridge; regional employment and population will be unchanged.
4. The historic and walkable Government Hill neighborhood will be divided by a highway, and approximately 14 Government Hill houses will be removed through eminent domain.
5. The bridge will increase sprawl throughout Los Anchorage.
6. Few Mat-Su Borough commuters will benefit.  Only those living in sparsely-populated areas west of Wasilla or near Point MacKenzie will experience reduced travel time.
7. Cook Inlet’s beluga whales -- already with a very low population – as well as juvenile salmon, will be adversely impacted by the bridge even if that harm is minimized.  These wildlife assets help the Anchorage economy.
8. The bridge increases our dependency on energy-intensive car travel which increases global warming.  Better alternatives for Mat-Su Borough commuters are ferries and commuter rail (with wireless capabilities!), both now under development, as well as vanpools on the Glenn Highway along with improved public transit in Anchorage to facilitate in-town movement.