In 2012 the Alaska State Legislature approved the Alaska Transportation Projects Bonds Question to be placed on the November ballot.  The measure allowed for a general obligation bond to be issued for the purpose of transportation projects in the state.  The bond was proposed to not exceed approximately $454 million of which $14 million of the total bond amount was allocated to the Katlian Bay Road.  The ballot measure was approved by voters:  58% Yes and 42% No.

The purpose of the proposed Katlian Bay Road project is to provide recreational and subsistence opportunities on Baranof Island within the U.S. Forest Service Sitka Ranger District managed lands, provide access to Native Corporation (Shee Atiká) lands, and provide access to potential new material sources on State, Federal and Native Corporation lands for possible future development.

Sitka currently has a finite road system that provides limited passenger vehicle access for recreation and subsistence activities.  Furthermore, Sitka has a shortage of developable material sources for future projects on the existing road system.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) held a public meeting in Sitka in March 2015 and is accepting comments from the public.

If you missed the meeting and would like more information, the link below will take you to the DOT website.

http://dot.alaska.gov/sereg/projects/sitka_katlianbayroad/index.shtml