March 13, 2009
Commissioner Leo von Scheben
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
STIP Comments
Division of Program Development
Box 112500
Juneau, AK 99811-2500
Dear Commissioner von Scheben:
I am writing on behalf of the Resource Development Council (RDC) in regard to Draft Amendment 18 to the 2006-2009 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). RDC supports a stimulus package that will provide jobs for Alaskans, boost local economies, repair and upgrade infrastructure and prepare our transportation network for gas pipeline construction.
RDC is a statewide, non-profit, membership-funded organization founded in 1975. The RDC membership is comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, timber, tourism, and fisheries industries, as well as Alaska Native corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to link these diverse interests together to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.
RDC believes a stimulus program should fund highway, transit and bridge projects across the state – in both urban and rural areas – to facilitate commerce. We agree with your department’s efforts to accelerate projects targeting the Dalton, Alaska and Glenn Highways. In addition, RDC supports the approach by the administration to identify additional projects beyond what can be funded in the initial stimulus, should supplemental funds become available next summer.
In general, RDC is supportive of projects in the stimulus package that maintain and improve the National Highway System (NHS) in Alaska. As the backbone of our state’s transportation system, it is vital that upgrades and repairs occur on the NHS for safety and economic reasons. Highways not only link our state’s largest communities, they also accommodate tourists and serve virtually every industry and economic sector in Alaska. Yet the NHS in Alaska has not been adequately funded, resulting in a backlog of needed repairs and upgrades.
RDC appreciates the opportunity to comment on the STIP and looks forward to a robust stimulus package that will benefit Alaska communities, create new jobs, boost the economy and prepare the state for the eventual construction of the gas pipeline.
Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.
