The Mat-Su Borough has wrapped up its public outreach efforts regarding the proposed West Susitna Access Road. According to their research, the majority of Mat-Su residents and businesses are not in favor of it being built.
Last year the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) accepted 8.5 million dollars to move forward with permitting for the road. The Borough Assembly set aside $50,000 for public outreach to gauge whether building the road would benefit local Alaskans.
According to the Borough’s data, 1,368 comments were received. The feedback was gathered via two well-advertised public forums.
When asked if they supported the project, about 60% of respondents answered “no.” An additional 20% of respondents said they would support the West Susitna Access Road, but only if it’s public. AIDEA has maintained that, while there will some public access points, the road is intended to be a private industrial road, paid for by private users.
According to Mike Brown, Mat-Su Borough Manager, the primary themes for opposing the project were environmental damage, financial problems and the negative effects of access. The main themes for supporting the road were improved access for recreation and overall general support.
In response to the public’s questions regarding financial concerns, Brown conveyed that AIDEA is planning to conduct an independent economic analysis. He also said there will be more opportunities for public comment as the permitting process unfolds.
Once permitting is complete, discussion will begin regarding whether or not to actually build the road. That stage is not expected to occur until 2023 or beyond.
