![]() ![]()  So, the governor had no option.â€īoudreau: “Could she have stopped construction?†![]() That earmark was given, was dictated to us, and it had to be spent on Gravina Road – and nothing else. ![]() Stapleton:  “The governor could not change that earmark.  Here is part of that interview:īoudreau: “It’s hard to imagine that the governor wouldn't think that this was a waste of money – taxpayer money.† I interviewed Meg Stapleton, a spokesperson for the campaign. Now, many locals coined it the “Road to Nowhere.† And guess who paid for it? You! Âīut what’s really interesting is the response we received from the McCain – Palin camp about this road.  The bridge was never built, after it was publicly ridiculed by Congress as being a waste of taxpayer money.But the road that was designed to connect from the bridge to the airport was built. 29, 2008: At a rally in Dayton, Ohio, days before the opening day of the Republican National Convention, Palin says, “I told Congress, ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ on that bridge to nowhere.Here’s some background: At one point, there was supposed to be a bridge that would make it easier for people who live or visit Ketchikan, Alaska to get to nearby Gravina Island, where the airport sits. “Ketchikan desires a better way to reach the airport, but the $398 million bridge is not the answer.”Īug. 21, 2007: Palin announces the state will abandon the bridge. She says: “I’m not going to stand in the way of progress.” 2, 2006: In a televised gubernatorial debate, Palin is asked if she would cancel the contract to build the access road on Gravina Island. The window is now - while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.” October 2006: In response to a question from the Anchorage Times about whether she supports the bridge project, Palin said: “I would like to see Alaska’s infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. September 2006: Alaska gubernatorial candidate Sarah Palin, campaigning in Ketchikan, holds up a pro-bridge T-shirt proclaiming, “NOWHERE ALASKA 99901,” referring to the primary ZIP code of Ketchikan. The Senate rejects the Coburn amendment 82-15. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) offers an amendment to divert $75 million in funding for the Gravina Bridge, along with money for the Knik Arm Bridge, to help rebuild the hurricane-ravaged Twin Span Bridge in New Orleans. October 2005: As the Senate considers the ’06 Transportation appropriations bill, Sen. July 29, 2005: Congress approves five-year highway bill with $454 million for the two bridges ($223 million for the Gravina Island Bridge and $231 million for the Knik Arm Bridge). 20, 2003: President Bush signs into law the 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which includes $2 million to begin work on the project.Īpril 10, 2004: The phrase “bridge to nowhere” is born in a New York Times piece quoting Keith Ashdown of Taxpayers for Common Sense: “It’s a gold-plated bridge to nowhere.” March 2002: City Council of the native village of Saxman on Gravina Island passes resolution opposing the bridge.įeb. It includes $20.4 million for environmental and engineering studies for the Gravina Island Bridge. June 9, 1998: President Bill Clinton signs into law the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century authorizing road and bridge projects from 1998 through 2003. Winter 1996: Borough of Ketchikan passes Resolution 1311 in support of building a bridge between Gravina Island and Ketchikan.
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