An assembly candidate says we have plenty of time to restart planning for the Lutak Dock repair despite all the engineering assessments predicting dock failure.  But if it fails, he says, the roll- on,-roll-off facility “is a perfectly workable solution.”  The dock has been collapsing, cell by cell for years. It is now a fraction of its former size. The latest cells in danger of failing are the very ones accessing the ro-ro and the fueling area.  The ro-ro by itself is useless.  The barge must tie to a dock to unload fuel, to use the ro-ro—and freight must be staged somewhere!

Working groups discussed the dock plan for years.  The 2023 assembly including Gabe Thomas, vetted, funded, contracted and started permitting the cheapest, most environmentally sound design. The 2024 assembly  introduced new designs; fired our help; and generally stalled and confused the project to the point the contractor filed a lawsuit.  Clement and Thomas on the current assembly worked tirelessly stopping the lawsuit; moving permitting forward (which moves only as fast as MARAD and other agencies respond); sought funding; and worked on affordable modified designs.  If we start over, funding and permits could be lost.  It will take years to regain this – if the state or feds will fund us.  I have been in Murkowski’s office; Haines has lost credibility over this project.

If you want affordable food, freight and fuel, vote for assembly continuity. Move the dock project forward realistically.  Vote Clement and Thomas.

Cynthia Jones (CJ)