This letter is in regard to the proposed relocation of the Kenai Spur Highway around the LNG facility.
This reroute of the highway is slated to begin somewhere after approximately milepost 18 of the Kenai Spur Highway.
We (North Kenai Alaska Citizens) would like to see a final decision made on where the proposed road will be located.
An official with the LNG project has stated that the road project is being pushed back and no longer a priority. This project will affect most if not all residents of Nikiski and spending will be at $200 million plus this year on field work; doesn’t’ that make it somewhat of a priority?
I realize the LNG facility may never be built, or may be many years off, however the affected residents not only want, but need to have some direction so they are able to make informed decisions about their homes, property, businesses, etc. The spaghetti looking road map put forth by the LNG folks actually raises more questions than it answers. Most, if not all, of the various proposals affect traffic in many areas and present numerous economic factors for consideration for residents in those areas. These factors include but are not limited to new business development as well as the buying and selling of homes and properties.
The final decision was originally scheduled to be made by late 2016, which, considering the ongoing studies, should be a very feasible target date. When the 2016 fieldwork ends, the Nikiski community does not want to hear excuses saying that LNG does not have the information needed to make this decision.
This information is crucial to the folks living in this area — asking them to put their lives on hold is unrealistic and unwarranted.
I ask everyone involved in the LNG (ExxonMobil, BP, ConocoPhillips, Alaska Gas Line Development Corporation, State of Alaska) to make this a priority and determine the route of the proposed road so those of us directly and indirectly impacted can move forward with the decisions that need to be made for our businesses and our families.
Thank you for your time and consideration.