J.R. Myers, and the rest of the Gubernatorial candidates for that matter, would be wise to axe the Juneau road extension. Even if the State proceeds with the half-billion dollar road project, drivers will still have to take a ferry to reach the capital. That’s right, after 50 miles of new pavement through some of the State’s most challenging terrain, the Juneau road would dead-end at new ferry terminal. Even worse, the operating costs would go up because the State will be responsible for running a ferry and bombing the forty-plus avalanche chutes.
It’s no wonder the people of Haines, Skagway and Juneau have repeatedly stated a preference for community-to-community ferry service. If only we had a Governor who would listen to local communities and make decisions based on the best interest of the State.