Bridge, port projects vital to security

There has been considerable discussion over the development of the Knik Arm Bridge and the rail spur that places a bridge from the Mat-Su at Point MacKenzie to the largest city in Alaska — Anchorage. In turn, it shortens travel to points south to the Kenai. What has not been squarely addressed is the strategic value of these projects.

They are strategic not only in economic value to Alaska, with the ability to shorten trucking and general travel routes, but also in future railroad operations in moving raw materials from Alaska to Point MacKenzie and Seward deepwater ports for export to hungry American and foreign customers.

Conversely, the shiploads of import cargo that can be made available at Point Mac, and then trucked or moved by rail to the Interior and the Kenai, are incontrovertibly necessary in order to build a strong economy. These projects create jobs, bolster the economic impacts, make transportation more affordable and place all of us in a stronger global position.

The aforementioned is also strategic from a national defense point of view. Alaska is the air crossroads of not only the Pacific Rim, but the world.

The United States military understands this paradigm. Alaska is very important and a critical piece of the strength of the United States.

A bridge and rail project combination permits additional evacuation routes in time of natural or manmade disasters. It also provides critical transportation routes to move large numbers of troops and material into, through and out of Alaska during times of national crisis. These projects in the 21st century are as vital to national defense and the overall security of America as was the Alaska Highway during World War II.

As our history teaches, the Alaska Highway spanned 1,387 miles across Canada to link Alaska to the Lower 48 states. The Alaska Highway was completed in 1942 during the first full year of the war. Its purpose was national defense and security.

Additionally, no one could argue that the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is not yet another example of a strategic piece of infrastructure necessary to U.S. security. This same rationale and purpose should drive the Knik Arm crossing, the completion of the rail spur and the full development of the port at Point MacKenzie.

Clearly, objections to the development of these vital projects should fall on deaf ears. When American national and foreign interests are at stake as we plan the security of our 21st century nation, objections made — whether regional, congressional or judicial — diminish all of us, and leave us less secure and very vulnerable to the whims of those who would do us harm.

Verne Rupright has been mayor of Wasilla since October 2008.