Alaskans have been pleading for many years for the state to construct an improved road into McCarthy with bridges designed to accommodate full size vehicles. Some persons contend that the Alaska public does not want this. But in 1978 the Alaska public voted on and passed a bond issue that was established to build full size vehicle bridges across the Kennicott River as well as the Lakina River.

Please to not mistakenly assume that CAM supports full size visitor vehicle access into the historic areas of McCarthy and Kennicott. CAM does not. CAM does believe however that full size vehicle access should be provided into McCarthy and Kennecott for local business and residents. Visitor parking should be provided immediately east of Clear Creek and further access for this category vehicle restricted. CAM believes that the methodology for implementing this can be worked out within the local community providing open minds and positive attitudes prevail.

CAM's primary concern is the condition and longevity of the McCarthy Road proper. Most of us are area residents and landholders, along with many visitors and other Alaskans we have been concerned for some time over the ponderous and intractable pace that has plagued access improvements to the area. When Governor William A. Egan dedicated the new highway bridge at Chitina the bridge was to be the beginning of convenient vehicle access to an area of immense scenic beauty. Something all Americans could enjoy. According to the Governor and the State Legislature at the time, the road would also assist in providing the State of Alaska with much-needed economic diversification.

With the exception of federal funding used to restore the historic and vital bridge across the Kuskalana Gorge and a small section of road near Long Lake no major improvement utilizing Federal Highway Trust Funds has taken place on this road.

In fact, in 1996, as the result of urging from the National Park Service and a local extreme environmental organization, future capital enhancement of the road was completely removed from the State's highway budget cycle "State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)." This major upgrade project was replaced by yet further studies. Although now, as of last summer, the DOT&PF does indicate that they support inclusion, for year 2006, some planning funds for road improvement in the 2004-2006 STIP and are currently undertaking another study titled a "Environmental Impact Statement" on the route.

In addition to all of this negative news, the historic and local maintenance station at Chitina, which provided the only work up to now on the road, has now been closed. According to the DOT&PF all maintenance excepting that for emergencies has been discontinued.