Alaska Governor Reinstates 'Bridge to Nowhere'

Newsmax.com ^ | 16 Dec 2005 | NEWSMAX

[AmericanDave]

Alaska's governor outlined a plan Thursday to spend almost $200 million on two bridge projects, including one dubbed the "Bridge to Nowhere" that triggered sharp criticism across the nation.

Congress recently dropped its funding provisos for the bridges in Ketchikan and Anchorage, but let the state keep the money and left it up to state officials to figure out how to spend it.

Gov. Frank Murkowski in a budget proposal Thursday said he wants to use $91 million for the Ketchikan project in the fiscal year beginning in July.

The two-bridge project would connect the town's airport to Revillagigedo Island, where most of the 13,000 residents of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough live.

[AmericanDave]

Let's see 600,000,000 tax dollars divided by 13,000 people: that's $46,153.84 each. How many ferry rides does that replace? Let's say $5 a crossing, that's over 9,230 rides apiece! I guess Republicans can have a "big dig" project too!

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I dont think thats how the tax structure breaks down for it. It's a good idea, IMO.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

LOL!

[Diddle E. Squat]

Congress recently dropped its funding provisos for the bridges in Ketchikan and Anchorage, but let the state keep the money

[Kozak]

Congress recently dropped its funding provisos for the bridges in Ketchikan and Anchorage, but let the state keep the money and left it up to state officials to figure out how to spend it.

Right. So Congress basically dumped 200mil of our money in their laps, then wink wink, let Alaska decide how to spend the pork. Great fiscal oversight.

[43north]

I've heard reports that the Murkowski family owns about 30 acres less than 1/4 mile from where the Ketchikan bridge will terminate.

The more I learn about Murkowski (nepotistism, fancy jets, bridge to his own property), the more I think he is a thoroughly corrupt, conceited man who believes he can do whatever he damn well pleases as long as it benefits him or his family. Too bad that he's also a Republican.

Of course, he's had an experienced tutor: Ted Stevens.

[CondorFlight]

If the stupid Republicans in congress can't even keep this bridge from being built, they don't deserve to be re-elected.
The entire 'removal' of the bridge money was simply a sham,
designed to fool the public.
Well, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

[YouPosting2Me]

SPEND IT ON ANWAR!!!

[pointsal]

Nothing like responsible spending.

[Rocketman]

The man is an idiot -- as living here he should have used the money towards building the gasline or building the first road to connect the northern or western parts of the state.

[knak]

Is she running again? I always wanted her to get the senate seat Murkowski gave to his daughter.

[KarlInOhio]

The "Bridge to Nowhere" is a huge argument for abolishing the federal gasoline tax and letting cities and states tax their own populations to pay for the roads they need or want. If Alaskans wants a bridge, then Alaskans can pay for the bridge out of their own money.

[dropzone]

I know it's becoming a cliche, but

STUCK ON STUPID!

applies here - if anywhere.

[KC_Conspirator]

I will actually stick up for the Alaskans. They are the only ones willing to produce oil anymore outside of Texas.

[goodnesswins]

What I don't understand is....well, actually I do....every Alaskan gets an "oil rebate"......THAT'S where the MONEY should come from!

[indcons]

If I remember correctly, Tony Snow was discussing that the airport is going to be named after Don Young of Alaska (R).

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Well at least he has a legit, useful and purposeful project in the plans and not a pork barrel like you get with libs. And it is useful for Ketchikan, I think. But I don't live there and don't have the feel for the locals viewpoint.