A controversial road that is supported by an Alaska Native village is part of a massive public lands bill making its way through the Senate.

The bill authorizes a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. The village of King Cove says the project will ensure access to health, emergency and other services across Cold Bay.

Alaska's Congressional delegation and Gov. Sarah Palin (R) support the road. Environmentalists say it will disrupt wildlife in the refuge.

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill later this week. It survived a procedural challenge from Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma), who calls the massive package wasteful.

Get the Story:
Izembek road wins support in US Senate (The Anchorage Daily News 1/12)

Related Stories:
Opinion: Alaska Native village needs a safe road (11/17)
Gov. Palin supports Alaska Native road project (10/17)
House committee approves Alaska Native bill (4/24)
Alaska Native village supports 'Road to Nowhere' (7/23)