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West Susitna Access Road amendment fails amid environmental and cultural concerns
Summary
An amendment to restore federal receipt authority for the West Susitna Access Road (STIP) failed in committee after debate over economic development opportunities, environmental impacts and tribal burial sites; DOT director warned removal creates risks to prior expenditures.
Representative Stapp moved to restore federal receipt authority for the West Susitna (Susitna) Access Road in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, arguing the 9:1 federal match would unlock resource development and public access to state land. Supporters said the project has been planned for decades and that there is community willingness to match funds.
Representative Galvin and others raised environmental and cultural concerns; Representative Jimmy said tribes had told him the corridor includes burial and sacred sites and opposed the amendment on that ground. Dom Pinone, Director of Program Management and Administration for the Alaska Department of Transportation, told the committee the project already has over $7 million expended and that removing it from the STIP can introduce federal payback or delay risks. Despite arguments on both sides, the amendment failed on a 5‑6 roll call.
The committee’s debate highlighted the tension between resource‑development advocates and those citing habitat protection and tribal cultural sites; members also discussed prioritizing safety‑critical state roads over large new access corridors.
