Anchorage Daily News

Two legislators have introduced bills that, if passed, should increase Alaskans' comfort level with future decisions about the proposed Knik Arm bridge.

Right now, the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority is empowered to make a deal on its own with private investors to build the bridge.

But the project, estimated to cost $600 million, is relying on about $105 million of Alaska's federal highway money and another $10 million in direct state contributions, in addition to private financing.

That's a lot of government funding at stake. More oversight is essential.

Senate Majority Leader Johnny Ellis and Rep. Les Gara, both of Anchorage, filed bills Wednesday that ensure the Legislature has final approval of any deal to build the bridge.

Their bills, SB 268 and HB 365, call for a 60-day public review of any bridge-building agreement. The deal would need legislative approval to go forward.

Leaving the final approval in the hands of KABATA never made sense. It is an agency that is dedicated to making the project happen -- a necessary and important role. What's missing is someone to stand back and say, "Wait a minute -- is this a good deal for the state and the borough and cities it will affect?"

The Legislature can effectively fill that role.

Two international groups have shown interest in the bridge. The toll authority is already preparing a request for proposals that will ask possible private investors how they would finance, build and maintain the crossing.

Already, the state administration has concerns about potential state costs and about lack of public discussion on the terms of the request for proposals, according to Randy Ruaro, a special assistant to the governor. He was quoted in a Daily News story Thursday.

The toll authority was widely criticized in 2006 after its board gave three top executives raises of $25,000 to $40,000 each, for salaries in the $130,000 range. Rep. Gara brought the raises up this week as he sought more control over the agency's dealings.

The raises did show poor judgment. But they're small potatoes compared to the decisions that lie ahead, involving hundreds of millions of dollars.

Alaska will be able to rest easier if a bill calling for legislative oversight becomes law.

BOTTOM LINE: Don't let the toll authority have final say on any deal to build the Knik Arm Crossing. That's the Legislature's job.

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