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Washington, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement this afternoon in support of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce and their recognition of the need for the Knik Arm Crossing and the Glacier Highway Extension which would connect Kensington Mine to the existing highway system: 

“The road to Kensington Mine and the Knik Arm Crossing are absolutely necessary to the growth and development of our great state, and the recognition of that by the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce is important to the progress of these projects,” said Rep. Young.  “A state and a country cannot grow and prosper without the development of its own resources and without a proper transportation system.  Quite obviously I’ve always been a vocal supporter of the Knik Arm Crossing; it has been a transportation priority for Alaska for decades and is a necessary addition to our undersized transportation system.  

“The extension of Glacier Highway to Kensington Mine would be invaluable for the communities in Juneau and Southeast.  The connection to the highway would help increase business, and in turn, prosperity.  One of the things that makes our state so great is the abundance of God-given natural resources.  It is our duty to safely develop those resources for our people and efficiently deliver them.  Getting this road done will be the first leg of the Juneau Access Improvements Project, an invaluable road system for Juneau that will improve access, cut down on traffic, and reduce costs.   

“I commend and support the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the importance of these projects and look forward to working with them and the great people of Alaska in the future, in seeing them become a reality.  I’ve worked hard in Congress to provide the funds for these programs and I look forward to seeing them to completion.” 

The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce listed the Glacier Highway Extension and Knik Arm Bridge Support under Transportation Access in their Legislative Positions for 2010

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