"Residents of a remote coastal community have long sought the gravel road, which is opposed by environmentalists who say it will destroy important migratory bird habitat."
"The Trump administration has green-lighted plans for a road through 10 miles of wilderness lands in Alaska, despite pending litigation from environmentalists who say it would destroy sensitive wetlands and prime migratory bird habitat.
The Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit Thursday for the gravel road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge that would give a remote coastal community better access to hospital care during the area’s tough winters. It was the last major regulatory step needed to advance the project backed by the state of Alaska.
Conservation and some Alaska Native tribal groups have filed three separate federal lawsuits to block the road. But Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has been strongly in favor, calling it “preposterous” last year that one has not yet been built."
Miranda Willson and Ian M. Stevenson report for E&E News July 10, 2026.
