do Alaskans want to build a
WILDERNESS
CAPITAL?
•r r
HERE ARE THE FACTS ABOUT INITIATIVE NO. I
A Proposal to Move the Location of Alaska’s State Capital
YOU WILL VOTE on a proposal to set up a new capital city in
Westward Alaska, on a tract of not less than 6400 acres of State
land, at a location 30 miles or more from Anchorage—the move
must be started not later than June 1, 1968. It is important that you
know what this means before you go to the polls on election day.
A Wilderness Capital
The requirements of 6400 acres of State land and not less than 30
miles from Anchorage, when applied to specific lands, make the
nearest available location 60 miles from Anchorage. This means a
wilderness location—starting from scratch — clearing land — new
access roads—streets—sewers—water and power systems—capitol
buildings—airport—housing.
Cost - $150,000,000
Careful estimates show that construction of a new city in the
wilderness would cost Alaska over $150,000,000. No limit is set
in the Initiative measure on how much can be spent. You are
being asked to approve a blank check.
You Will Pay
Promoters of the wilderness capital claim it can be financed by
selling lots. Think how absurd this is. Each acre would have to
sell for at least $25,000!
The people of Alaska will have to underwrite and pay this enor
mous sum. Consider how it will add to each individuaUs own tax
bill! Consider how this increase in taxes will discourage new
industries at a time when we are desperately trying to promote
rapid economic development.
Pressing Need Sacrificed
Does Alaska need more schools or a new capital; more roads and
causeways or a new capital; more facilities for tourism and new
industry or a new capital? You will settle this question by your
vote on Initiative No. 1.
The State Department of Planning reported in March, 1962, that
needs for schools, hospitals, roads, causeways, airports, harbors and
other public facilities for the next six years totaled nearly $390,
000,000. These are things we must have if we are going to meet our
minimum social obligations and create a healthy, growing Alaskan
economy. These are costs above the normal operating buget. About
60 per cent of the total cost can be obtained through federal match
ing fund programs, but Alaska must still raise over $144,000,000 as
its share by bonded indebtedness and State appropriations. We can
not build a wildnemess capital and still meet these financial re
quirements.
Let’s Build Alaska—Don’t Destroy It! Vote Against Initiative No. 1
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ALASKANS UNITED