Arguments have been scheduled on the federal government’s request to dismiss a lawsuit over the Interior Department’s refusal to allow for a road from King Cove to an all-weather airport at Cold Bay.
Government attorneys say the decision by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell was reached after five years of environmental analysis and public outreach. They say Jewell wasn’t obligated to approve a road and her decision is owed deference by a federal judge.
The state joined the city of King Cove, tribal governments and individuals in challenging Jewell’s denial of a road through Izembek [EYE’-zem-bek] National Wildlife Refuge that could improve access to emergency flights.
Arguments on the motion to dismiss are set for Monday in Anchorage.
