There had been concern that the EPA would withhold approval for the bridge, which has already been approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Alaska Railroad’s northern rail extension project. The project would extend the rail service 128km from North Pole to Fort Greely, home to the US Army’s missile interceptor base.
Design of the first phase of the project, the Tanana River Crossing, got under way in 2010. Construction is scheduled to begin this year. The preliminary engineering and design was funded by US$16.5 million in Department of Defense appropriations. The DOD appropriated another US$44.2 million in 2007 and US$60 million in 2008 for planning, engineering, environmental work, design and the start of construction on the ?rst phase. The State of Alaska appropriated US$40 million toward the first phase in 2010.
“The EPA’s decision is good news for the Interior and will help ensure the viability of the military in Alaska in the future,” said senator Lisa Murkowski.
“This decision was the right one,” said senator Don Young. “This bridge will provide opportunities to Interior Alaska, and help secure the long-term presence of the military in Fairbanks. Given our short construction season, a decision by the EPA against moving forward with this project would have killed it, obstructing responsible development and hurting the local economies. Moving forward with the bridge is the right decision and the only responsible choice.”
