Copper Valley leaders ask Legislature to redirect $12.7 million highway allocation to airport extension and energy projects

Leaders from the Copper Valley region asked the Senate Finance Committee to reconsider a $12.7 million highway item in the capital budget and instead direct funds to an airport extension and energy projects they say would yield stronger state returns.

Jason Hope, executive director of the Copper Valley Development Association, told senators the Copper River Highway Wood Canyon Bridge and trails item (reference number 65237) appears in the draft budget as “$12,700,000.0 over 3 years.” Hope said the RTPO and local stakeholders had not vetted the highway project and urged lawmakers to consider reallocating funds to the Solomon Gulch dam range project, the Gokhana Airport extension to 6,800 feet, and energy projects with shovel‑ready plans.

John Becker, a longtime valley business owner and vice president of the Greater Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the airport extension and local energy projects would provide clearer economic benefits to the valley. Dennis McLaughlin, a Copper Center resident and RTPO member, said the highway allocation “only seems to benefit the corporation” and argued the airport investment would provide a better return on investment for residents.

Why it matters: proponents said redirecting capital funds could support air service, economic development and energy resilience in a large rural region. The committee did not take any formal action during the testimony and did not announce a funding decision on the item during the hearing.