As we approach the release of the Supplemental Environmental Statement for the Ambler Road, many opponents will continue their misinformation campaign about the road and the project. AKHeadlamp will address these false claims and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
False Claim #1 – The road will become public, just like the Dalton Highway.
The chart below provides import details about the Ambler Road, why it will remain private industrial-access only and how this road is different than the Dalton Highway.
Dalton Highway | Ambler Road | Significance |
Federal permit required public use. | BLM Federal permit is restricted to industrial use only. | Federal Permit requirements control access and use across federal lands. |
Federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Record of Decision did not apply. | NEPA applies and the Record of Decision is restricted to industrial use only. | Federal agencies are required by law to follow the Record of Decision. |
National Park Service Right of Way Permit through the Gates of the Arctic did not apply. | National Park Service Right of Way Permit through the Gates of the Arctic applies and is restricted to industrial use only. | Federal agencies are required by law to follow permit conditions. |
No crossing of ANCSA Regional Corporation land. | Ambler Road crosses into Doyon and NANA regional lands. | Requires permission and land agreements with Doyon and NANA for authorization to use the road. |
Road access and control transferred to a State Agency (Department of Transportation & Public Facilities) | Access and control of the Ambler Road will remain with federal, state, and private ANCSA Corporations that own the land. | Multiple landowners remain in control of the road and the restricted access. |