It is a time-honored tactic to claim a project that disrupts a river will only improve fish habitat and not jeopardize it. Current conditions of rivers and oceans on planet earth disprove this claim. One cannot compare Haines Highway project from 25 Mile to the border along the Klehini River to the upcoming project from 4 Mile to 25 Mile along the Chilkat River.
The Chilkat is essential for king, sockeye and coho salmon. This section of the Chilkat contains important subsistence and sport fishing holes, as well as significant wetland areas important to swans and other species. The current planned acres of rock and fill will destroy more of this natural habitat than is necessary.
Allowing a 50 mph speed limit through this important scenic, recreational and fisheries corridor would provide a better long-term outcome for fisheries, wildlife and people. Federal scenic-byway laws allow us to build this scenic highway to a 50 mph, rather than the 55 mph standard currently used to allow big trucks to speed up and down the highway. We can build this highway better, keeping more of natural river corridor and using less rock and fill. Let’s do this important project in the best way we can. It’s not too late to make some adjustments to the plans.
Kathleen Menke