27.0°

I am a small business owner in Skagway and year-round resident. Contrary to what some are espousing, I believe that the majority of our community will only benefit with improved access between Juneau and Skagway. If I need to go to Juneau to get supplies and only have the ferry the cost of taking my vehicle there is prohibitive. This way I can better support other Alaska businesses and not have to purchase materials out of state for expediency or as a cost-saving measure. Freight and delivery is a huge expense for my company, as the inability to quickly receive needed materials results in costly delays for my customers, too.

Some have asked, "Aren't you afraid of competition?" No, I am not. I have been in the business for over 36 years and know that competition is good for all businesses, and it helps ensure better quality and a healthier economy for all. I believe that a road offering better access to our state's capital will bring more opportunity to me and for my business, hopefully allowing my company to employ even more Alaskans.

Bert Bounds
Skagway