JUNEAU -- Senator Jerry Ward (R-Kenai) announced that he plans to introduce legislation on Wednesday creating an authority to design and build the Knik Arm Crossing.

"When Congressman Don Young was elected to chair the U.S. House Transportation Committee, he announced two priorities that he would be working on," said Ward. "One was providing federal funds to help build the Knik Arm Crossing. The Alaska Toll Bridge and Causeway Authority created in this proposed bill has been intended for decades in various legislation and would oversee the use of federal funds appropriated for this project."

The proposed legislation would appropriate $1 million in state general funds to form the authority, and to design a crossing that will span Cook Inlet from the Port of Anchorage to Point McKenzie. Eighty percent of the construction costs will be covered by federal funds. The Causway Authority will issue transportation bonds for up to 20% of the costs, and collect tolls to re-pay the bonds.

"I introduced the same legislation during the 13th Legislature," said Ward. "Now, with Congressman Young's leadership we can finally cross the Knik Arm."

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for SB 44

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= Jerry Ward, 79 K = Jerry Ward, 54 K