KABATA meeting slated

June 7, 2005

DAWN DE BUSK/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - The vice chair of the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority says he's hoping that $200 million earmarked for the proposed Knik Arm crossing will be included in the national transportation committee's budget.

"I'm watching the closing of military bases and other cutbacks. In my mind's eye, everything's on the table," KABATA Vice Chair Darcie Salmon said Saturday.

"If that $200 million doesn't come, it would be a blow to the bridge. We'd have to take a deep breath and step back," Salmon said. He added that with the strong support of U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, federal funding for the project most likely will materialize.

Former Anchorage Mayor and KABATA Chairman George Wuerch will address the bridge's financial status during the quarterly KABATA board meeting, which begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex.

HDR Engineering employees will update board members on the environmental impact study.

The topic of proposed alignment routes will also be visited.

Mat-Su Borough Manager John Duffy said he had scheduling conflicts that would keep him from attending this week's meeting. However, he expects to be part of future discussions regarding the best place for the bridge to link up on the Valley side.

"I did inform George Wuerch that our approach also needs to be addressed as well as Anchorage's," Duffy said.

The borough would take into consideration how the Port MacKenzie and outlying industrial area develops.

"Until we see the transportation bill, it's premature to decide where the bridge will come in on the borough side. But those conversations are already happening with HDR," Salmon said.

During Wednesday's meeting, Deputy Executive Director Darryl Jordan will present the cost and budget report. Jordan will also reveal upcoming plans for public outreach.

The board meeting is open to the public, and there will be time for public comments toward the end of the meeting.

For more information on the project, check out the Web site, www.knikarm

bridge.com.