Proposed at about 23 miles, the West Susitna Access Road project is open to public comment. The total cost of the project is expected to be about $76 million, with the State’s portion at a little less than 10 percent of that.
According to Shannon McCarthy, Communications Director for Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or DOT, the cost estimates have been refined and are now $76 million for the 23 miles. Originally, the cost was expected to be about $82.5 million.
About a quarter of the State’s requirement was included in this year’s budget. McCarthy says the first 23 miles of the proposed West Susitna Access Road is fully funded and moving forward with scoping and public comments.
The West Su Access Road somewhat follows the Iditarod National Historical Trail and crosses the Little Susitna River, Fish Creek, Susitna River, and Alexander Creek. If approved, the project would include a boat ramp on the Susitna River and end just beyond Sustina Station.
The project was initially proposed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority or AIDEA (AY-duh), to reach proposed mines more than 100 miles away. The public largely objected to the proposed road project, especially if it would not be open to the public. It is still unclear if and how the mining road beyond Susitna Station would connect to the public road designed for recreational use. And how mining traffic would impact State road users.
This public comment phase goes through August 23rd, however, McCarthy says comments will be accepted after that deadline. The DOT will continue conducting field work and assessing gaps. McCarthy estimates that the draft environmental assessment, or EA, will be complete in February.
Open houses are scheduled for August 14th at Loussac Public Library in Anchorage and August 15th at Wasilla Public Library. The DOT also will provide virtual options for viewing the open house materials and commenting. McCarthy says the team will provide presentations to Community Councils that request them.
Comments can be submitted at westuaccess.com
