Critics, supporters speak on Juneau Access Project

JUNEAU, Alaska — Critics outnumbered advocates Tuesday in Juneau at a joint state and federal meeting on the Juneau Access Project.

The Juneau Empire reports 55 people commented and 40 opposed the state’s preferred route.

The state’s top choice is a 50-mile road linking Juneau’s Glacier Highway to a ferry terminal at the Katzehin River delta. Day ferries would take people to Haines and Skagway.

Critics took shots at the $574 million project cost, its inconvenience and road’s safety.

James Sullivan says moving the ferry terminal out of Auke Bay would eliminate walk-on travelers. Dixie Hood says the road would be too treacherous for senior drivers in winter.

But Juneau Mayor Merrill Sanford, speaking unofficially, says the road is a “cost saving” option that would cut travel time in half.