It’s a big day for Kenai. In response to a request by Sen. Peter Micciche, Gov. Mike Dunleavy directed Commissioner John MacKinnon of the Alaska Department of Transportation to reopen maintenance the Silvertip Maintenance Station so the Seward and Sterling Highways can be maintained for the remainder of the snow season.
“Public safety is and will be the highest priority of my administration. A crucial component in that pledge is keeping essential infrastructure, like our highways, in safe working order for the movement of residents, freight, and emergency services,” said Dunleavy. “Alaska has fewer road miles than Connecticut. With such sparse connectivity, every mile of public pavement is essential to the safe movement of Alaskans throughout the state. The recent distribution of the vaccines for the COVID-19 virus throughout our state demonstrates the inherent logistical hurdles we face. There is no need to add to those. With the opening of this maintenance station, we continue the pledge to making Alaska more connected and more secure.”
Dunleavy pledged to work with Kenai Peninsula legislators Senator Peter Micciche of District O and Representative-elect Ron Gillham of District 30, and members of the Legislature, to institute a long-term program for road maintenance on the Peninsula.
Micciche today thanked the governor for reopening the service facility, which had been closed due to budget cuts since September, 2019.
“Christmas came early for thousands of Alaskan families on the Kenai Peninsula,” said Sen. Micciche. “After engaging with DOT for more than a year, we are thrilled that Governor Dunleavy recognized the wisdom of reopening the station. We look forward to working with his administration on a permanent solution to the issue, and thank him for his decisive action at this critical time. This governor proved that the buck stops with him when it comes to public safety.”
