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.

Four years ago Senator Murkowski addressed the Alaska Legislature as to his belief that their first appropriation priority should be to improve access to the Wrangell/St. Elias Mountain area. Last year, CAM wrote to the Senator and applauded his statements to the Legislature, in return he responded:

"I was delighted to receive your letter concerning access to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, and more specifically, improvements to the McCarthy Road. As you are no doubt aware, I have been an advocate of increased access to both Denali National Park and Preserve and more recently, to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. It is very good to know that your group exists and that we share a common goal. I will be more than pleased to work with you in any way I can in addressing these issues at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and to, hopefully, finally resolve these matters."

Two years ago we wrote to Governor Knowles concerning this situation. He appeared sympathetic to our cause however he advised:

"Improvements to the McCarthy Road could have substantial impacts both in the McCarthy area and on the lands along the corridor. This includes the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park as well as numerous other private, state, and university land holdings in the area. It is important these potential impacts be thoroughly considered before significant changes are introduced."

We agree with the good Governor, except we believe that sixty-one years of review including positive votes by both the Legislature and the people of Alaska constitutes "thorough consideration".

CAM now petitions the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to commit to the following course of action:

• Immediately place funding for major upgrade of the McCarthy Road into the State Transportation Improvement Program. This funding should be adequate to provide a modern highway from Chitina to McCarthy that can safely accommodate full size motor coaches while driving at approximately fifty miles per hour. This project should be undertaken in a three-phase effort with the maximum total time span, including planning and right of way acquisition, not to exceed eight years.

• With the exception of rest stop facilities, other road amenities such as bicycle trails and green belts should not be considered until after the major upgrade construction phases have been completed.