Besides offering a competitive economic benefit from increased worldwide recognition, National Scenic Trails receive federal funding for maintenance and administration.
Alaska lawmakers approved $3.7 million in funding for nine projects that are part of an integrated trail system that proponents hope will rival the Appalachian Trail on the East Coast and the Pacific Crest Trail on the West Coast.
The biggest project approved would put just over $1 million toward creating a 25-mile connection between Turnagain Arm and the northern area of Anchorage.
The Matanuska Susitna Borough Assembly approved two contracts for annual road services with Big Dipper Construction, for an amount of $1.77 million for the Knik Road Service Area Zones 2
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