 Federal Highway Administration January 14, 2005
The Juneau Access Improvements Project SDEIS lays out alternatives being considered for transportation improvements to and from Juneau. Specifically the project's aim is to improve traveler's ability to move to and from Juneau within the Lynn Canal corridor. The document reflects extensive study on the part of the state that first began in 1994 as part of a federally required process for proposed transportation improvements. "Shortly after I was elected Governor, I directed the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to complete the work on this project, which had been suspended under the previous administration," said Gov. Frank H. Murkowski. "I did so because improving transportation and access are among my top priorities for Alaska." Murkowski said that making sure Alaska communities are connected and that Alaskans have access to commerce, health care, recreational opportunities, and to each other is a primary focus of his administration. "We have taken an important step in moving forward on this important transportation initiative," said DOT&PF Commissioner Mike Barton. "The department has worked hard to complete this phase of the project and we look forward to hearing public comments on which project alternatives best meet individual, family and community needs," Barton said. Signing of the document by the FHWA is the first step in initiating the public review process on the Juneau Access SDEIS. According to department officials, copies of the document will be available to the public by January 31st. The SDEIS is being delivered to Washington, D.C. to be officially posted in the Federal Register. Copies will be available free-of-charge on CD and on the Juneau Access project web site, http://juneauaccess.alaska.gov. Bound versions will be available for review at community libraries, at the Department's Southeast Region office and at a project information office to be located in the Mendenhall Mall beginning February 1st. Public hearings are planned for the middle of February; times and locations will be announced soon. The public comment period will run through March 21st. "We are pleased to have
reached this milestone," Barton said, "and look forward
to public comment and the next phase of improving transportation
for Alaskans."
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