Congress should be eager to zero out its funding. "There's no one on this road," she said. Yeah the downtown area is a pretty dense, but there are a couple roads leading out of town to some less populated and much more scenic areas. The 3.2-mile-long partially paved "road to nowhere" meanders from a small international airport on Gravina Island, home . Ketchikan's airport is the second largest in Southeast Alaska, after Juneau International Airport, and handled over 200,000 passengers a year or 550 per day, while the ferry shuttled 350,000 people in the same time period (as of December2006[update]).[11]. I can just imagine something like the French Viaduct, but with a toll of $30.00 each way. It was good that this project was killed by Governor Palin, but it's not correct that it saved any money. That had to be spent on the Gravina road and nothing else. Ketchikan is Alaska's entry port for northbound cruise ships that bring more than 1 million visitors yearly. its remote location makes it a rare tourist sigh - bridge to nowhere stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images The little bit of development you do see on Gravina Island is the Ketchikan Airport, currently serviced by a ferry. The idea was to replace the ferry connecting Ketchikan with Gravina Island, where the Ketchikan Airport is. In advertisements, McCain labeled the bridge as wasteful spending,[43] and in an August 2007 town hall speech recorded on video[44] and quoted again on April 30, 2008,[45] he blamed the Minneapolis I-35 bridge collapse on the Gravina Island Bridge. A proposed Alaska bridge that became a symbol of wasteful federal spending on politicians' pet projects has officially been scrapped a decade after the idea was first floated, state officials said on Friday. The Luten Bridge Co. offers a window into a southern community's struggles with a divided social order, the introduction of wealth into local politics, and a changing economy. Ketchikan, Alaska is infamous for the now-abandoned plan to expensively bridge the strait between the city and its international airport on Gravina Island, dubbed (IMO, unfairly) a "bridge to nowhere". Last summer while I was in Ketchikan, I hiked up the hill above town to get a better perspective of the destination for the "Bridge to Nowhere". Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users "Bridge to Nowhere", "Alaska: End Sought For 'Bridge To Nowhere', "Two 'Bridges to Nowhere' Tumble Down in Congress", House Vote #159 (Mar 2, 2011) On Motion to Recommit with Instructions: H R 662 Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, "Alaska 'bridge to nowhere' plan is no more as state chooses ferry for Ketchikan", "Ketchikan Gravina Island Access Project", "Airport Ferry - Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK", "Ketchikan airport and ferry statistics for December 2006", "Gravina Access Project, Record of Decision, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Ketchikan, Alaska. Built in 1911 as part of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway (nicknamed Cant Run and Never Will), the Gilahina Trestle was not quite 900 long, and nearly 100 high. Alaska's Ultimate Bridge to Nowhere - The Gilahina Trestle fades into winter, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska. transportation priorities instead of a useless bridge that would You will only receive blog posts. Im 62 years old, and now just finding out about pet projects, especially a bridge to no where..Im truly in shock.i watch Alaska Frontier n Homestead, and I love the Alaskan way, if only I knew sooner, about pet projects, and Im sure others feel same way, IV would have voiced my opinion sooner, God Bless Alaskans..and Alaska ?? DOT says that the highway will still be useful to reach land on Gravina Island even without the bridge. [50][51], CNN reporter Abbie Boudreau took a helicopter over the road. [54] The motion lost and the funding was kept. One House She killed the bridge and saved taxpayers money. responsible senators should relish and, through their votes, show Unfinished highway bridges, Czech republic. Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska became the object of strong media criticism when he strongly opposed diverting the Gravina and Knik Arm Bridge funds to help in the disaster aid. Ketchikan, do not value the Gravina Island bridge project, its Members of the Alaskan congressional delegation, particularly Representative Don Young and Senator Ted Stevens, were the bridge's biggest advocates in Congress, and helped push for federal funding. Perhaps thats reason enough for some funding, restore the west end of the bridge, and the Gilahina Trestle can be known as Alaskas Bridge to Somwhere namely, the other side of the Gilahina River. Or if your idea of fun is plunging off the side of a bridge, a bungee cord attached to catch your fall, then you could be up there too. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos and voting to keep them there. Homer, Alaska, wrote, "Alaskans owe an apology to the people of New Ronald Utt is the Herbert and Joyce Morgan Senior Research Fellow. SIEGEL: 2004, April 10th, 2004 an article appears in the New York Times in which you're quoted. "Maybe if we had done it right, maybe some of that money would have gone to inspect those bridges and other bridges around the country," McCain told a group of people in a town-hall style meeting in Ankeny, Iowa. The whole bridge project was originally estimated to cost $230 million, including the associated roads. The project wasn't going to be cheap, though: $398 million was the projected cost, and the project encountered steep opposition in the United States Congress in 2005. Get more stories delivered right to your email. It's actually a nice road.". "For somebody who touts process and transparency in getting projects done, I'm disappointed and taken aback," said state Rep. Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan. The bridge to nowhere - sometimes called Garry Bridge lies beyond the Tolsta Village and is on the route of what was to be Lord Leverhulme's new route to Ness. In August 2007, Alaska's Department of Transportation stated that it was "leaning" toward alternative ferry options, citing bridge costs and the reluctance of Governor Palin to pay the state's match to the appropriated federal funds. SIEGEL: This phrase has been caught by someone aspiring to the White House. You guys do an amazing job! 2022 Anchorage Daily News. pictures of the bridge to nowhere in alaska revolve corset tulle gown / self catering accommodation fish hoek / pictures of the bridge to nowhere in alaska By 21 Feb 2022 objected to the bridge on their editorial pages. This infamous bridge, from . of Alaska and the U.S. Congress. Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of HuMu Media, an Alaska-based media company. But Palin, now the Republican vice presidential candidate, let the access road go ahead because the contract to build it had been signed, a campaign aide said. KETCHIKAN, Alaska (CNN) -- The "Bridge to Nowhere" may have been shelved. Call this the Railroad to Nowhere. In stump speeches, Alaska Gov. But some locals said they'll find some way to use the road, such as running or bicycle riding. I sure enjoyed my visit to your beautiful town! It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. Market data provided by Factset. become an object of national ridicule and a symbol of the fiscal On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Much of the publics attitude toward Alaska bridges is based on inaccurate portrayals of the projects here. Senator told a closed-door meeting of conservatives that the plan Yeah that section is actually pretty badly collapsing on the right its all tilted and askew. road in the morning fog - bridge to nowhere california stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. [49], After canceling the bridge, Palin's administration spent more than $25 million to build the Gravina Island Highway, which would have connected with the proposed bridge. Every day, another news organization affirms that Sarah Palin was for it before she was against it. selfish shortsightedness in sending these scoundrels to Washington Sarah Palin as the controversy was unfolding and she told him . In response to an inquiry of whether Palin could have stopped construction, Stapleton told Boudreau that Palin had "no viable alternative" because Congress had already granted the earmark and the contract for the road was signed before Palin took office. To get to the trailhead: From the 210 freeway in Azusa, take exit 40 north on Route 39. Get credit for your contribution by submitting a complete place entry with photos. [7], According to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the project's goal was to "provide better service to the airport and allow for development of large tracts of land on the island". Most importantly, pushing back would show the nation that its discretion for road projects. [50][52], Alaska Department of Transportation spokesman Roger Wetherell disagreed, stating that Palin could have canceled the contract upon taking office and reimbursed contractors for any expenses incurred in association with the project, as happened when Palin cancelled a $18.6 million contract on a Juneau road and reimbursed the contractor for $65,500 in expenses. Ketchikan Mayor Bob Weinstein calls the road, which was paid for by federal tax dollars, a waste of money that could have been used to fix his city's roads and sidewalks. Yeah, this was taken last week. He wrote this excellent piece which I think basically was its introduction to the national audience. "There's some private land out there and some borough land, so it's being used for access to private lots and access to borough land, and it's also being used for some hunting, people going out sightseeing, berry picking, things like that. But the deal had been signed just before she took office in December 2006, Stapleton said. Theres plenty of wildlife nearby, so pack bear spray, and stay vigilant along the trail. Watch where road ends . Further driving up costs were all the muskeg and peat that had to be removed and replaced with rock and gravel to get through the wetlands. Your first glimpse of the bridge is astonishingits much larger and majestic than youd expectbut the weirdness doesnt stop here. Members of the Alaskan congressional delegation . Look at the highway bill that had 3,000 pork barrel projects on it including bridges to nowhere in Alaska. The hike is within Denali National Park, which is a designated wilderness. "The concentration is not going to be on a $400 million bridge.". Republican U.S. House candidates Sarah Palin (on screen) and Nick . "It was built to the standard to be able to have traffic moving at a decent clip," said state Department of Transportation spokesperson Jeremy Woodrow. , Your email address will not be published. Alaska officially abandoned Friday a controversial $400 million public works project mockingly called the 'bridge to nowhere' that became a symbol of pork barrel spending. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Although you'll see lots of people picnicking and camping towards the beginning of the trail, as you trek further out closer to the bridge, it is much easier to find a place of your own. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter, and loves to see and experience new things! [55], In 2015, after consideration of several lower-cost options, the Gravina Island Bridge project was finally cancelled, an improved ferry service being selected instead of constructing the bridge.[7]. some of its pork, they fear, so might they. "I mean, it's pretty here." Keep up the great work! According to Alaskan state officials, the road project went ahead because the money came from the federal government, and would otherwise have had to be returned. Share. Palin interrupted Gibson and insisted, "I was wearing a T-shirt with the zip code of the community that was asking for that bridge. Local officials have said access to Gravina Island, population 50, is needed for the town and its economy to grow. Milk the next few months for all you can license wise, nothing like a local celebrity to drive your image sales. JUNEAU -- The name "Bridge to Nowhere" still rankles in Ketchikan 10 years after congressional opponents of earmarks used it to attack federal money for the bridge to nearby Gravina Island and the city's airport. Read Abbie Boudreau's "backstory" blog on "Road to nowhere". With Matthew Hunter, Margaret Umbers, Shelly Luxford, Stephen Judd. A larger bridge was built upstream, along with a dam that rerouted the river. Transportation officials at the time replied that the road was built with the support of Gov. In the meantime, Bridge to Nowhere works for me. The audit also said the highway construction appeared to have been rushed to get it done before Murkowski left office, and that the department violated procurement rules by shortening bidding deadlines to get the construction awarded. Seven fish-bearing streams needed bridges. ANCHORAGE The bridge to nowhere is still trying to get somewhere. And she actively was an advocate for it. [18], In September 2006, during her campaign for Governor, Sarah Palin visited Ketchikan to express her support for the Gravina Island Bridge project. Tell me about that. The Gilahina Trestle, crossing the Gilahina River, was once an impressive structure. But Alaska still got the money. Origin of bridge unknown. "[20] Later that month, at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in Wasilla, Alaska, Democratic candidate Tony Knowles criticized Palin for supporting the Knik Arm Bridge, the Gravina Island Bridge, and a road north out of Juneau instead of rebuilding the Parks Highway. Alaskas Ultimate Bridge to Nowhere The Gilahina Trestle fades into winter, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Keith Ashdown, chief investigator for the watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, says he coined the phrase in 2004 after a couple of beers. They called the state's decision premature, saying it came without warning. Follow it to find a gorge railroad bridge, where occasionally you may even see the Alaska Railroad pass overhead! people of Alaska and to responsible members of Congress who now Others called it the bridge to nowhere. The Gravina Island Bridge, commonly referred to as the "Bridge to Nowhere", was a proposed bridge to replace the ferry that currently connects the town of Ketchikan, Alaska, United States, with Gravina Island, an island that contains the Ketchikan International Airport as well as 50 residents. Market data provided by Factset. But ferry access isn't likely to provide the kind of developable land Ketchikan needs, he said. PALIN: I'm not going to stand in the way of progress, that our congressional delegation, in the position of strength that they have right now, they're making those efforts for the state of Alaska to build up our infrastructure. And it redirected it to Alaska but it wasn't earmarked legally to that one project. Based upon your other photos from Ketchikan, it looks like all the money was needed because it was to be a tall bridge so the cruise ships could get underneath it! in the state's newspapers, and the papers' editors have also Taking the ferry from Ketchikan, AK to the airport which is on Gravina Island AKA "nowhere."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravina_Island_Bridgehttp://www.boro. Theres no Mickey Ds, but theres a good spot to camp, and delicious, crystal clear water in the Gilahina River. Now, thanks to recent news events, this image just may havea life after all. the bridge to nowhere is a unique and historical landmark in the development of new zealand. Share your stories. It spans a deep gorge overlooking the lovely Garry beach, one of the prettiest in the Outer Hebrides. If Alaska loses House and Senate Republican negotiators take legislative wrecking ball to two Alaskan 'bridges to nowhere' that have become national symbols of spending excess and political albatross; federal . Miles Glacier Bridge is a four-span through truss bridge located in the U.S. state of Alaska. Dubbed the "Bridge to Nowhere," the bridge in Alaska would connect the town of Ketchikan (population 8,900) with its airport on the Island of Gravina (population 50) at a cost to federal taxpayers . That's progress. Ive really enjoyed your photos. measure," BNA reported. [53], In 2011 (after Palin had left office), there was continued funding for the project in H.R. sum of little consequence; what the Senator sees as a problem in Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. And one night, had a couple beers in me, and I got a little more creative and I came up with the term Bridge to Nowhere. [19], In October 2006, when asked, "Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges? The controversy began with the 2006 National Appropriations Bill, an omnibus spending bill covering transportation, housing, and urban development for the following year. At a public forum, Palin held up a pro-bridge T-shirt designed by a Ketchikan artist, Mary Ida Henrikson. But I made it out for a few photos and back in one piece. Palin's Chief of Staff, Billy Moening, has been praised by many Republican strategists for recommending Palin change her stance on the bridge.