Making the Case for Development

By Alicia Amberg

ike the old saying goes, there are four seasons in Alaska: early winter, mid-winter, late winter, and construction season. I won’t comment on the first three, but safe to say we’re big fans of the fourth one. We go into our busiest time of year excited, energetic, and eager to build Alaska. But we must also keep safety at the forefront of everything we do.

Safety in work zones and workplaces is our biggest priority. This season, as always, I urge all workers and contractors to stick to their safety protocols. Every hardhat, every reflective vest, and every safety briefing plays a critical role in ensuring our teams go home to their families each night. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about caring for our community and our colleagues. Remember: one quick moment, or one snap decision can lead to a lifetime of consequence. Let’s keep our work zones safe and set a standard for the rest of the nation.

The feds are back at it, and it’s bad news for Alaska. The recent denial of the right-of-way permit for the Ambler Access Road by the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is a huge setback for Alaska’s construction industry. When the news broke, Associated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska voiced loudly our frustration and strong opposition. This move not only contradicts federal mandates outlined in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, or ANILCA, but also hamstrings our state’s ability to utilize its natural resources for economic and strategic advancement.

Our association has always advocated for the responsible development of Alaska’s resources. We uphold the highest environmental and safety standards, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Ambler Road is not just a construction project but a gateway to mineral opportunities that could significantly benefit both local communities and national interests.

Same song, different day. BLM issued new regulations on oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, or NPR-A, and—once again—they are bad for Alaska’s construction industry.

Nearly half of the NPR-A’s land is now deemed off-limits for development. This move significantly reduces opportunities for construction projects tied to oil and gas production, which provide thousands of jobs in Alaska. These projects not only involve direct construction jobs but also create demand for related services and infrastructure development.

Imposing these restrictive new measures during a period of high global energy demand is bad energy policy and hurts the potential for growth and investment in our sector. AGC of Alaska will never stop pushing back against these nonsensical regulations that hurt our sector and our economy.

On a much more pleasant and personal note, I want to express my deep gratitude to Steve Sandherr, a true friend and advocate for Alaska. Steve served for twenty-seven years as CEO of AGC of America and was a familiar face in our state, visiting us several times. He showed incredible passion for our community’s development and was quick to lend his advice and expertise, as well. His advocacy work not only elevated Alaska’s profile on the national stage but also called attention to our unique construction challenges and opportunities. As he eases into retirement, I know I speak for all of us in wishing him the best. Steve, your legacy here is lasting, and your contributions deeply appreciated. Come visit any time.