Ambler Road Cost Estimate Triples, Conservation Groups Push Back

0:00I'm Cory, and this is your Pulse of the City, Anchorage News today. A new report claims that proposed 211 mile Ambla Road in northwest Alaska could cost over $2 billion to build. That's for a gravel route, through wilderness to reach a key mining district. The study, funded by conservation groups, says the state's current estimate of $765 million is way too low. It bases that on cost comparisons with other remote Alaska projects, like the West to sit in the access road and the longer route to Nome. Those have much higher per mile prices due to tough terrain, permafrost, and river crossings. Extra factors like high local wages and land deals with native corporations could drive cost even higher. Conservation advocates say the projects serve speculative mining with no firm commitments from companies to cover fees. They're pushing for a full, independent cost review before any bonds get issued to funded. The road aims to unlock deposits of critical minerals like copper, zinc, and lead, which

1:01the federal government sees as vital for defense and the economy. State developers plan to repay bonds through tolls on mining users. Meanwhile, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority calls the report premature. Its leader notes they're still refining designs for bridges and gravel sources to cut expenses, and multiple mines could spread the load while. Making jobs to the region. This DNN story comes to you thanks to our sponsor. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound, so L-I-SOLY-PILLOW-DOT-COM.