Alaska is at an infrastructure development crossroads. With a new governor, crashing oil prices and a $3.5-billion budget deficit, the state is struggling with the fate of several major public-works projects. The trouble has divided lawmakers over the state's energy and transportation future.

By an executive order issued in December, Gov. Bill Walker (D) ended new work and spending commitments on six of the state's energy and transportation developments, even though more than $1 billion already has been spent. The work is intended to revolutionize Alaska's economy and generate thousands of construction jobs over the next 20 years, boosters say.