The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge faces rough times after the 51-49 bill rejection that may definitely lead to the oil drilling in the little north coast town of Kaktovik.

Kaktovik is a very small city with just 284 residents. Nevertheless, it remains the biggest one among the towns of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain.

Drastic changes are expected if the Senate votes for oil and gas drilling in the wildlife refuge. "We are now given notice that we have to be on our toes," said the town’s mayor Lon Sonsalla.

Alaskan politicians have been urging the Senate to start drilling in the refuge for decades. Why so anxious now? Lon Sonsalla said it is important for the residents to have access to traditional fishing and hunting.

Gov. Frank Murkowski said he hopes that oil drilling will be opened and the state will benefit from the revenues it will share with the federal government.