Let’s dive into this whole West Susitna Access Road brouhaha. Mark Miller, in his recent piece, threw some shade on the project, calling it a bad move for Alaska. I give him props for his perspective, but I gotta say, this road’s about more than just personal opinions. It’s about making moves for Alaska’s future.
Miller is worried about foreign money sniffing around our natural resources. Listen, this isn’t our first rodeo with international investments. Remember British Petroleum? They helped lay the groundwork for our economy. Today, companies like Teck and Northern Star play crucial roles, too. The real question is whether these businesses are creating solid gigs for Alaskans, not where they’re headquartered.
Access is where it’s at. Miller suggests this road might mess with the natural beauty. But hey, Alaska’s no stranger to balancing nature and progress. The Kenai River has a major highway hugging it, yet the salmon still thrive. So a road doesn’t necessarily mean Pikachu’s roaming in the wilderness with no fish in sight.
Miller’s talking tourism for the elite, which is fine and dandy. But why should that sideline the broader access for everyday Alaskans? The Susitna Valley isn’t a private playground. It’s for everyone. And from where I sit, the road could benefit us all — not just those with a fancy lodge and fancier clientele.
Public access isn’t the enemy of development. Miller charges top dollar for a luxury experience, and sure, it’s a sweet gig if you like seasonal work and guiding fancy folks through Alaskan adventures. But high-wage, year-round jobs in mining could offer deeper roots for our young folks. Why choose between seasonal and stable? We can have our cake and eat it, too.
Are there concerns about who’s footing the bill for this road? Sure. But take a cue from the Red Dog Mine road model. Mines can chip in for construction and maintenance. This isn’t about the state picking up the tab but creating a fair, sustainable solution.
Let’s not forget the strict environmental standards these projects must hit. Whether it’s a company from Alaska or halfway across the globe, they’ve got to play by the same set of rules. No shortcuts, no nonsense.
Then there’s the Ambler Road comparison. Miller seems to think if it’s not near a big population, it’s all good. That’s a classic case of “Not In My Back Yard” thinking. Alaska’s resources and access decisions shouldn’t hinge on private interest. We’re all in this together, folks. The West Susitna Access Road is about shared progress.
Bethany Brown lives in Skwentna.
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