Izembek Road Returns
The State of Alaska has begun the permitting process for the long-debated Izembek road, a proposed 19-mile connection between King Cove and the Cold Bay airport.
Daily Alaska staff · December 31, 2025
Daily Alaska staff · December 31, 2025A road fight Alaska never settled is back again.
The state has started the permitting process for a proposed 19-mile route connecting King Cove to the Cold Bay airport.
The road would cut through the National Wildlife Refuge. That’s why this project has stalled, restarted, and stalled again for years.
Supporters say this is about safety. King Cove residents still rely on boats and medevacs in brutal weather to reach an all-weather runway.
Opponents say the road would permanently damage sensitive habitat that was meant to stay protected. Once it’s built, there’s no undo button.
This round matters because the permitting process is officially moving forward. Public comments are open, and the deadline is January 12.
Southwest Alaska has lived with this debate for decades. It’s about to get loud again.