[skeptoid]

"This bridge will open up thousands of acres of develop able land."

Yes, but that land is hardrock and muskeg, just like the Ketchikan side, and it is quite expensive to develop.
And the entire area is isolated from the nearest "outside" road by a six-hour ferry ride to a Canadian city (Prince Rupert).
And it is a Golden Gate sized project that goes from an island to an island to another island.
And it would benefit a grand total of 13,300 residents.
And the area has been losing population for several years.
Anyone other than 13,300 local residents would have to use a boat or and airplane to get here in order to use the bridge.

[skeptoid]

......"boat or and airplane to get here in order to use the bridge.".....

boat or AN airplane to get THERE in order to use the bridge.

[oldfart]

Back when Alaska chose to become a state, the Federal Government promised to turn over all the land not in use for such things as military bases and National Parks to the new State. They lied. Even the Native Corporations had to sue to get the land they now own--- with Federal strings attached. Even much of the land that was under the jurisdiction of the BLM has now been made into new National Parks, thus eliminating any chance the State might have to claim it. This has cost the State Billions of dollars and countless jobs.
Guess what? Now that self-same Federal Government (that's you, me and a bunch of others who pay taxes) has its panties in a wad cause some of those upstart Alaskans want part of their money back. Had the land been transferred to State control as was promised, the City of Ketchikan could build a bridge to Gravina Island and then on to Wrangell and Juneau plus drill a tunnel through the nountains to the Alcan Highway!
Until you know what you're talking (typing) about it might be wise to do a bit of research.

[thackney]

Anyone other than 13,300 local residents would have to use a boat or and airplane to get here in order to use the bridge.

yep, about 3/4 of a million visitors a year. And most of them come by cruise ship.