Get facts before opining on access
This is in response to the comments from individuals in opposition of the road that are baseless in fact and go off on tangents, instead of looking at all the proposed options.
Instead of listening to your neighbor, co-worker, friends, or even letters to the editor in this paper, before you make a decision either favoring a road or opposing a road, please get all the facts first. Educate yourself on this topic by attending the scheduled public meetings when presented by DOT and viewing other available information they also offer.
Some will say that DOT is biased in favor of building a road. Remember, DOT also runs the marine highways and are obligated to be unbiased in providing public information.
Some will argue a road would adversely affect wildlife. The counter to this is the Mendenhall Wetlands that has two major roads next to it and an International Airport, and still is thriving. Also, DOT employs some very qualified environmental analysts that will ensure wildlife is protected.
Fact - new ferries are expensive: $120 million estimated for a single mainline ferry, and estimated yearly maintenance and operating costs for a single fast ferry is equal to the yearly estimates for maintaining the proposed road. There is no plan to do away with the ferries even if a road is built, as some would like you to believe. The ferries will still be running with modified routes and schedules, and there are other existing plans to improve and build new ferry facilities throughout Southeast in the future. I urge everyone to review all the facts from unbiased sources so an educated and qualified decision can be made. You may be surprised what you learn.
Matt Keopple
Juneau