October 21st, 2015 –  Governor Walker clarified that “discretionary funds” could be used to begin the Environmental Impact Study on the proposed road to Ambler, while also stating that the project remains on hold. Prior to Governor Walker placing the project on hold when he first entered office this year, the Ambler road project had been nearing the stage to begin the Environmental Impact Study. Interior villages, specifically those who would be closest to the proposed road have been strongly opposed to it.

 “Support along the route has been mixed, but Interior villages in particular have been strongly opposed to the road. The village of Allakaket hosted a group of state and federal officials as well as company representatives in July 2014 to discuss the road project. Community members voiced concerns about the road’s impact on hunting and fishing because of its many river crossings, pollution and increased access. The industrial road has 15 major river crossings, including the Alatna River, which the community of Allakaket relies on for subsistence fishing and hunting access.” Read the full article in the Fairbanks Daily News-miner.