Vilikiy
13-03-2008, 20:02
JUNEAU, ALASKA - This afternoon, the dual-continental nation of Vilikiy held its 22nd congress. The biggest surprise was the approval of a controversial bridge across the Bering Strait. With an estimated cost of nearly one trillion encreds, the engineering difficulties the project posed, and the risk of it being attacked during times of war caused the bill to be passed 34-30 and Exarch Gravel declining to veto. Not everyone was so eager to see the bridge built, however.
"The idea is preposterous." Declaims opposition party leader Veller. "It's blue-sky spending for a public works project by the liberal majority! This can only end in disaster for all of Vilikiy. My party intends to form a unified front with other like-minded parties to oppose any spending approval bills those socialists try to thrust upon the taxpayers of this proud republic!"
Meanwhile, engineers have been deployed to the Bering Sea to look into the feasibility of the project, and perhaps ways to negate certain concerns.
"If we could construct a tunnel system instead," said one engineer from the University of Vancouver, "Perhaps linking the entire Aleutian Island Chain with subsurface tunnels for freight, passenger, and utility linkage. The waters are much warmer and calmer down there, and while it would be a much longer journey, it would on the other hand be about the same cost while not posing any significant national security problems. Additionally, it would allow departure from Juneau instead of the remotest parts of Vilikiy. Of course, we don't own the Aleutian Islands...Yet."
In a rare press conference, Exarch Gravel also added his perspective on the matter.
"This is a magnificent opportunity for Vilikiy, and I am impressed with the initiative of our congress. I would like to invite all neighboring countries the opportunity to help with the project, and open diplomacy with The Republic of Vilikiy. We would be willing to offer limited-use contracts to all contributors for region-wide access to both Asia and North America without need of a navy, or even a port. Of course, our growing federation always welcomes new states that would like to join the union as well."
"The idea is preposterous." Declaims opposition party leader Veller. "It's blue-sky spending for a public works project by the liberal majority! This can only end in disaster for all of Vilikiy. My party intends to form a unified front with other like-minded parties to oppose any spending approval bills those socialists try to thrust upon the taxpayers of this proud republic!"
Meanwhile, engineers have been deployed to the Bering Sea to look into the feasibility of the project, and perhaps ways to negate certain concerns.
"If we could construct a tunnel system instead," said one engineer from the University of Vancouver, "Perhaps linking the entire Aleutian Island Chain with subsurface tunnels for freight, passenger, and utility linkage. The waters are much warmer and calmer down there, and while it would be a much longer journey, it would on the other hand be about the same cost while not posing any significant national security problems. Additionally, it would allow departure from Juneau instead of the remotest parts of Vilikiy. Of course, we don't own the Aleutian Islands...Yet."
In a rare press conference, Exarch Gravel also added his perspective on the matter.
"This is a magnificent opportunity for Vilikiy, and I am impressed with the initiative of our congress. I would like to invite all neighboring countries the opportunity to help with the project, and open diplomacy with The Republic of Vilikiy. We would be willing to offer limited-use contracts to all contributors for region-wide access to both Asia and North America without need of a navy, or even a port. Of course, our growing federation always welcomes new states that would like to join the union as well."