In a recent press release, Governor Walker clarified that $3.6 million can be used by AIDEA to begin the environmental impact statement, stating that this will allow the project to progress to a “natural stopping point”.  However, a  memo sent out by the Walker administration also states that an additional appropriation of approximately $4.2 million to $6.8 million would be needed to complete the EIS. The natural stopping point is now, with the state in a $3.5 billion deficit this money could be utilized for more immediate needs, instead of starting an EIS process for a project that will need millions more to complete, and which may impact water quality, caribou migration, and the health of the communities in the proposed road corridor.

Press Release:

October 21, 2015 ANCHORAGE—Governor Bill Walker clarified to Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) the intent behind Administrative Order 271, the December 26, 2014, memo that halted all new spending on six mega projects, including the Ambler Road Project. After reviewing the project, Governor Walker permitted AIDEA to spend up to $3.6 million, which had already been appropriated, to begin the environmental impact statement (EIS) process.

“My team reviewed this project and has clarified what ‘discretionary spending’ means for this project,” Governor Walker said. “As we wrestle with a $3.5 billion deficit, it’s important that we examine all spending. With the Ambler Road project, the $3.6 million had already been appropriated, so this clarification allows the project to progress to a natural stopping point instead of stalled mid-step.”

The Ambler Road project evaluates the potential to build an industrial road into the Ambler mining district in northwest Alaska, which is rich in copper, zinc, lead and gold resources.

For more information on the project, contact Karsten Rodvik, External Affairs Officer of AIDEA, at (907) 771-3024.

Link to Administrative Order 271: http://gov.state.ak.us/admin-orders/271.html