builders, whose work is often delayed by lawsuits. Economic growth will occur as our economy becomes more efficient, with new and improved infrastructure making it less costly for businesses to operate while making workers more productive. As business efficiency and worker productivity improve, so will wages. In summary, we commend the Alaska delegation for their support of the bipartisan physical infrastructure bill and their efforts to advance it in Congress. Investing in Alaska’s infrastructure is critical to our economic recovery, prosperity and quality of life. The longer Congress delays passage of this critical bipartisan legislation, the more our roads, bridges, highways and energy infrastructure will suffer. The unacceptable result is higher costs for every Alaskan. Let’s not waste more time but improve Alaska’s infrastructure now. Alicia Siira serves as executive director of Associated General Contractors of Alaska. Rebecca Logan is the CEO of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance. Marleanna Hall is executive director of Resource Development Council for Alaska. Kati Capozzi is president and CEO of the Alaska Chamber; Deantha Skibinski is executive director of the Alaska Miners Association. Renee Limoge Reeve is Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Cruise Lines International Association Alaska. Tessa Axelson is executive director of the Alaska Forest Association. Joe Michel is executive director of the Alaska Trucking Association.
spend of at least $225 million for repairing and rebuilding Alaska’s bridges. Think about how far those dollars could go in getting Alaska caught up on its deferred maintenance list. The bill also makes historic investments in broadband build-out for our state. infrastructure bill is paid for and makes new investments without raising taxes on American families or businesses. Additionally, these dollars are designated for spending that will boost our economy with jobs, long-term economic development and advancing American competitiveness in energy and critical mineral development. It gets better. We, like many Alaskans, are wary of increased government spending. However, this physical The IIJA brings big new investment while also cutting job- killing red tape. Multiple provisions within the legislation reform the environmental review and permitting process, including what is known as “One Federal Decision.” The IIJA makes One Federal Decision, one of former President Trump’s executive orders, permanent. It holds federal agencies accountable and requires timelines and page limits on large environmental documents. It makes other reforms, like making the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council permanent. This is the group created to improve the timeliness, predictability and transparency of federal environmental reviews and authorization process for certain infrastructure projects. In today’s litigation-rich environment, such improvements offer welcome relief to
“We protect the environment because this is the land where we grew up.” – Evan Polty Jr. Lead Mechanic, Donlin Gold Born in Pilot Station and Resident of Russian Mission
Respectful development for all generations.
To learn more, visit us at donlingold.com
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I November 2021
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