Alaska Re-evaluates Susitna-Watana Dam Amid Financial Concerns
What happened
Alaska is reportedly evaluating the Susitna-Watana Dam again as a potential option for the state's energy future. The project, which was initially proposed in the 1950s, was dormant for decades. In 2014, Bill Walker stopped work on the dam, citing unaffordability. Current reports indicate that lawmakers have moved to spend $5 million to restart the evaluation of the project.
Why it matters
The dam, which would stand 705 feet tall, is three times the size of other dams in Alaska. Despite the renewed interest, reports state the project remains financially impractical today due to its scale and associated risks.
Who's involved
- AlaskaState of Alaska whose energy future is tied to the project evaluation.
- Bill WalkerPolitical candidate whose focus is situated within the jurisdiction of Alaska.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- AlaskaSpeculative
Alaska might face future energy infrastructure costs associated with the project's potential revival.
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The entities involved
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Alaska
state of the United States of America
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Bill Walker
Scottish nationalist politician (born 1942)
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