WRANGELL, Alaska — The call for a new highway linking Alaska to B.C. has once again been sounded, now that B.C.’s Liberal government has taken over.

A road linking the panhandle to Hwy. 37 has been sought after for some time in Alaska, but the former New Democrats in B.C. kiboshed the plan while in power.

Now that the Liberals are in power, and a Republican president rules the White House, politicians and residents in the town of Wrangell are once again renewing calls for a link to Hwy. 37.

A new report says the current political situation “provides the best opportunity ever to make the road a reality.” It goes on to say “The B.C. Liberal party is much more favorably disposed towards economic development.”

If the project gets the green light, an estimated 80 kilometres of road would be built.

Supporters of the plan say the fishing industry would benefit, as fish could easily be trucked south to market, avoiding delays caused by the ferry system that’s now relied on.