State plans for ferry, highway improvements
Draft transportation program includes support for new ferry, a number of Juneau projects
The state's new transportation plan for the next several years includes a broad selection of Juneau projects, but some statewide projects are also attracting local attention.
The draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program released Aug. 27 includes support for a new ferry the state wants to design and build for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
"We were thrilled to see the (Transportation) commissioner add $120 million for the new Alaska-class ferry; that's really a positive step for Southeast and the other coastal communities in Alaska," said Cathie Roemmich, chief executive officer of the of the Juneau Chamber of Commerce.
A portion of that money has already been appropriated and is ready to be spent. The remainder will take additional appropriations. The STIP is required by federal law before federal transportation money can be spent, but does not appropriate money in and of itself.
Funding can come from the legislative appropriations, borrowing from a variety of federal programs, and the STIP is required to be a realistic assessment of money likely to be available.
"While we would like to know the exact amount of federal funds available to us, a 2010-2013 STIP must be in place this fall in order for the state to receive any federal transportation funds," said Jeff Ottesen, director of program development for the department.
Sen. Dennis Egan said he was happy to see a strong list of Juneau projects on the list, but was especially happy with the commitment the department gave to the new ferry.
Egan said he'd have liked to see the North Douglas Crossing, a second bridge to Douglas Island, in the STIP, even if its construction is some time off.
"I'm pleased that DOT put a lot of projects in for Southeast Alaska, but they left a few things out as well," he said.
Juneau Streets Superintendent Mike Scott said that while the second crossing isn't in the STIP, he was confident it hadn't been forgotten.
"I know that it is in their long-range plans, but it's an expensive project and has some funding issues," he said.
One key project in the STIP is a new bridge over Jordan Creek at Trout Street. The existing bridge has temporary reinforcements keeping it from failing, but will be closed as soon as the ongoing rebuilding of another Jordan Creek crossing is completed.
"That bridge will be closed until it can be rebuilt, but we want to have two complete accesses to that neighborhood," he said.
Scott said he was happy to see that new bridge in the state's plans, and the number of Juneau projects in the STIP.
"I know a number of those projects are going to be a pretty good deal for Juneau," he said.
Roemmich said supporters of existing projects, such as the new ferry, or people seeking additions, such as the North Douglas Crossing, should comment on the plan.
• Contact reporter Pat Forgey at 523-2250 or e-mail patrick.forgey.@juneauempire.com.