I agree - as it appears that most Alaskans do- that the Gravina Island bridge project seems dubious. However, when "they" scoff that the island has fewer than 50 residents, they kind of miss the point. It is just across the way from Ketchikan; on Gravina Island is the Ketchikan Airport. Perhaps there are fewer than 10 flights a day - I don't know - but in Southeast Alaska that's where, most of the time, you're going to land when you head south or come north. (There are some non-stop flights from Seattle to Juneau but only at specific times.)

When "they" sneer that Ketchikan has only 14,000 plus people, they forget that Alaska's population is not the same as in other states. For instance, Juneau, the capital city, has only 30,000 people- but it is the third largest city in Alaska!

The touted ferry ride costs $12.00 per person one way. How would you like to live where you had to pay that to cross a stretch of water that is end to end about two rock tosses across? Many residents of Ketchikan, I'm told, try to get a friend or relative to row over to pick them up when they return home rather than fork it over.

That said, our Governor is rated the #2 least popular governor in the US; his judgment has not been stellar. He is the one who has been saying for a long time that Ketchikan/Gravina Island has to have a bridge. Incidentally he grew up there. Don Young is just the man who has the clout in Congress.

I think 'pork' is embarrassing. I've never understood how anyone can rail against pork- and then admire their congressmen for bringing home the largesse. Is it: "We need the money- You are greedy"?