The Alaska Highway: Background to Decision

Abstract

Construction of the Alaska Highway was considered as early as 1929. Interest was stimulated by Highway Associations at Fairbanks, and Dawson City; it increased after British Columbia and Alaskan officials began exchanges of information. Alaska adopted a memorial petitioning the US Congress to arrange conferences between representatives of the US and $12 million authorized by the US Congress functioned by their Canadian counterparts 1930-33. It recommended in 1935 construction with $2 mill from the US and $12 mill from Canada. Another joint commission was appointed in 1938 and a Permanent Joint Board on Defense established in 1940. In early 1942, $50 mill was authorized by the US Congress. In nine months and six days, the Alaska Highway was a reality at a cost of $139,794,567.