The $600 million Knik Arm Bridge project linking Anchorage to Point Mackenzie is a step closer to reality.

The Anchorage Assembly voted Tuesday night to recommend the project be placed on the city's Long Range Transportation Plan.

The ultimate decision lies in the hands of a five-member committee of state and local officials such as Mayor Mark Begich. There is no timeline on that decision right now.

Those opposing the project fear it would take away funding for current transportation needs. They are also concerned about residents of Government Hill. That's where the bridge would run through, and about 15 homes would need to be torn down.

These fears are addressed by the Assembly's list of conditions it believes should be met in the event of project approval.

Allan Tesche, Anchorage Assembly member, said, “The majority can speak for themselves, and I simply don't understand why they chose to ignore the overwhelming weight of public testimony.”

A decision on which partner will be used to build the bridge should be made by the end of December.