I can not allow your ignorance of fact, to stand uncorrected.
You state, "Let's get one thing straight right from the start. Ketchikan and the Mat-Su valley are not "next to nowhere." They ARE nowhere. And if you choose to live 280 miles from a road, that's your privilege, but don't expect the rest of this beleagured nation to shell out millions so you can get to WalMart."
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is the fastest growing area of Alaska. There have been recent years where the number of building permits granted there exceeded those granted in New York city and Chicago.
Because of Federal, and State, lands, reserves, and the topography, expansion of Anchorage can go only one way, into the Mat-Su.
You don't know anything about "nowhere".
As to Ketchikan, why should I waste my efforts confusing wannabe cheechakos with facts? (You can't even see "nowhere" from there).
I've been to "nowhere", and you can't see the Mat-Su, OR, Ketchikan, from there.
Cheechako wannabe bozos on parade.
Camai!
Fine. If the bridge is that important, take out a loan, build the bridge, and charge tolls. Should pay for itself pretty quick, then make a tidy profit after - right?
So why should I have to pay ... and figure out how to stretch the $1 in my pocket thru the next week?