North Slope Borough Assembly backs moving ASTAR road system into environmental review

The North Slope Borough Assembly voted 8-0 Tuesday to support moving the Arctic Strategic Transportation and Resources (ASTAR) road system into the next phases of project development and environmental review. The resolution covers the Triangle Community Road, which would link Utqiaġvik, Atqasuk and Wainwright, and a separate middle section toward the Colville River. The resolution says that review comes before any final route selection, project approval or construction decision.

Mayor Josiah Patkotak told the assembly the planning study for the Triangle road has covered most of what environmental review requires, while the middle section is further behind.

Patkotak said both sections should be funded together, so the money pays not only for oil and gas interests but also for connecting the three communities. He said the biggest question is how to build with Department of Energy loan guarantees and still keep the protections of a private road. One option he raised is a borough enterprise working with the tribe or Native corporations to protect subsistence.

The borough is asking the state Department of Transportation to fund a planning study for the middle section. A workshop with state officials is planned for November.