I think were going to make a good team as we progress that bridge project" in response to an insult expressed by the state Senate president, Ben Stevens. measure," BNA reported. Located on a hiking trail in Denali National Park, this easy trail takes you along the river to a bridge right in the middle of nowhere. 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The final stretch leads to the high-walled canyon known as the Narrows, where water squeezes through a deep and narrow gorge, spanned by the Bridge to Nowhere. Call this the Railroad to Nowhere. [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]. Im sure the ferry owner is happy. It spans a deep gorge overlooking the lovely Garry beach, one of the prettiest in the Outer Hebrides. You can add on to the loop by taking other trails that connect and making it longer. At Under mounting political pressure over pork projects, Congress stripped the earmark or stipulation that the money be used for the airport, but still sent the money to the state for any use it deemed appropriate. Boudreau also spoke to the McCainPalin campaign spokesperson Meghan Stapleton, who defended the road: "The governor could not change that earmark. Bridge to Nowhere photo, Ketchikan, Alaska. transportation priorities instead of a useless bridge that would the bridge to nowhere is a unique and historical landmark in the development of new zealand. Now, thanks to recent news events, this image just may havea life after all. Let us know in the comments below! "Gov. 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. In the years 1965-1975 was carried construction of a water reservoir Svihov and both bridges were flooded almost to the level . In 1938, a flood washed out the partly completed road to the south, leaving the 120-foot-high structure stranded. DOT officials at the time said that if they didn't then continue with the bridge, they might be required to pay back to the federal government the $28 million it spent on the road. counted towards a state's equity bonus and thus are part of the Meandering through a forest, and along a gorgeous river, this hike offers it all. Yeah, this was taken last week. To say thanks but no thanks would imply that they didn't take the money, and they got every dime of it. 2023 Getty Images. Alaska officials have put the final kibosh on the infamous "bridge to nowhere" -- a $400 million project tucked into the federal transportation plan 10 years ago that became the symbol of . The road is not yet paved that was expected to happen following bridge construction. "It kind of just curves around then it just stops. Sarah Palin came into office after having ousted Murkowski in the 2006 primary, she stopped the bridge project, saying it had lost congressional support. 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. Keith Ashdown, the chief investigator for the watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, is credited with naming the bridge. their august institution of democracy still maintains the moral In the meantime, Bridge to Nowhere works for me. Gov. 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! If youre visiting Denali National Park, youll want to read all about these15 Fascinating Things You Probably Didnt Know About Denali National Park. Homer, Alaska, wrote, "Alaskans owe an apology to the people of New The Alaska Region of the National Park Service announced this week it is moving ahead with a plan for a $7.4 million bridge to almost nowhere in remote Katmai National Park and Preserve, where . people of Alaska and to responsible members of Congress who now It was good that this project was killed by Governor Palin, but it's not correct that it saved any money. Bridge to Nowhere: Directed by Ian Mune. With stunning scenery, a beautiful bridge, and the Alaska Railroad nearby, this great hike should be on your Alaska bucket list. This is a video I made with Eric Ledgin and Sarah North about Alaska's attempt to build a 400 Million Dollar Bridge connecting Ketchikan, Alaska to it's airp. This is also the site of Southern Californias only commercial bungee-jumping operation, run by Bungee America. Mr. KEITH ASHDOWN (Chief Investigator, Taxpayers for Common Sense): We spent several months trying to figure out, you know, how could we make this sexy, so to speak, for the lower 48 states and for the news media. Organise, control, distribute, and measure all of your digital content. [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". [3] I suppose I should point out that the Bridge is not technically Alaskas famed Bridge to Nowhere, but the nomenclature seems to fit rightly enough. It's redirected the money to other alternatives in Alaska and has gone to one project that's on the Gravina Island, it's a road project. This infamous bridge, from . The next year, they changed the language. Improved access was to have come from the controversial bridge, but with bridge plans officially abandoned recently, the state is now looking to better ferry service to improve access to the airport and help open Gravina Island to development. Share your stories. Crazy times. The trail crosses the river so often that you quickly abandon all hope of dry feet. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options await you. The decision to build the road before the bridge was blasted in 2010 by the Legislature's audit division, which said it was "not in the public's best interest given the lack of congressional financial support for the bridges and the significant increase in estimated cost.". disaster relief, Alaska's congressional delegation has dug in its "There is no question we desperately need to construct new roads in this state, including in southeast Alaska, where skyrocketing costs for the Alaska Marine Highway System present an impediment to the state's budget and the region's economy," von Scheben said in a statement. June 30, 2022. Seven fish-bearing streams needed bridges. But the "Road to Nowhere" is alive and well. When asked if he felt the road was "a waste of taxpayer money", he responded, "Without the bridge, yeah." Copyright 2008 NPR. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Unfinished highway bridges, Czech republic. Others called it the bridge to nowhere. You may get to see a few daredevils take the plunge. Thanks for the Ketchikan perspective. selfish shortsightedness in sending these scoundrels to Washington Remember Alaska's "Bridge to Nowhere," a $400 million span that was supposed to connect Ketchikan to its airport on sparsely inhabited Gravina Island? I might be missing out on some business opportunities. All About Sarah Palin Alaska U.S. Presidential Election, iReport.com: Are you in a battleground state? Alaska's Gravina Island (population less than 50) will soon be connected to the megalopolis of Ketchikan (pop. Remember the "Bridge to Nowhere"? Alaska's Ultimate Bridge to Nowhere - The Gilahina Trestle fades into winter, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska. The one section to the left looks like it is about to fall down already. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) spoke in support of a motion to recommit the bill (i.e., end the funding)[54] In response, Rep. Mica (R-FL), spoke in opposition (i.e., keep the funding). He wrote this excellent piece which I think basically was its introduction to the national audience. She said the best option would be to upgrade the ferry system. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. A trail proceeds from their to the mining area at Taylor, Alaska. "[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. objected to the bridge on their editorial pages. . But some of that money was still spent building a road to nowhere. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Legal Statement. Great scenery, plenty of interesting details, and a clear, well-marked path. 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 ?? Bridge to Nowhere Photo. "But we need to focus on what we can do, rather than fight over what has happened.". [19] Because "no one seems to use" this road, it has been called the "road to nowhere" by CNN, many local Alaskans, and several other media sources. This makes it a great family hike because little legs will have no problem keeping up with you. Fourteen years on, Palin's 'bridge to nowhere' comment still resounds. . SIEGEL: Ultimately though, if the earmark was changed, it no longer was dedicating this $223 million to the bridge from Ketchikan to Gravina Island. Ive really enjoyed your photos. Par . 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. What did you think? Never mind that This may be the most well-known bridge to have never been built. Last fall, after House Transportation Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) earmarked $223 . And he contacted me and he said he wanted to do a story on it. 2022 Anchorage Daily News. KETCHIKAN, Alaska (CNN) -- The "Bridge to Nowhere" may have been shelved. Palin has been heavily criticized for repeating the stock line about killing the "Bridge to Nowhere" without noting that she supported the project as a candidate for governor. Today, the lonely Bridge to Nowhere still arcs gracefully over the San Gabriel River, providing one of Southern Californias oddest, albeit epic, hiking destinations. SIEGEL: 2004, April 10th, 2004 an article appears in the New York Times in which you're quoted. Love Alaska? SIEGEL: Was there any moment in Governor Palin's handling of this appropriation that can be construed as her saying thanks, but no thanks? 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. But we need to focus on what we can do, rather than fight over what has happened. 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. Sarah Palin said Friday the project was $329 million short of full funding. The controversy began with the 2006 National Appropriations Bill, an omnibus spending bill covering transportation, housing, and urban development for the following year. H.R. 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. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system.