Assembly Discusses Legislative Priorities

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly discussed and approved State and Federal legislative priorities at their meeting this week. Modifying the State’s Common Interest Ownership Act was a main point of discussion.

The Common Interest Ownership Act allows for condo platting in the State. It has nothing to do with building condominiums. But it does allow developments to skirt the platting process. Which also means there is no public input.

Several condo-platted developments have popped up in the Upper Susitna Valley, including the Baldy Lake Airpark and the Willow Creek Airpark. In a split vote decided by Mayor Edna DeVries (Duh-VREEZ), it will remain on the list of priorities.

In addition, the Assembly discussed adding specifications in support of the Alaska Long Trail. The Assembly updated the language to allow for traditional uses, including motorized uses. And to maintain ownership and control of Borough-owned portions of the land used for the trail.

Several road projects also are prioritized on both State and Federal lists, including funding for upgrades to culverts from Milepost 99 through 163 on the Parks Highway. That project also includes the Railroad Creek Bridge replacement. Specific to Trapper Creek, the Moose Creek Bridge reconstruction at Milepost 7 on Petersville Road is also prioritized. Support for the West Susitna Access Road also remains on the State and Federal legislative priorities list. 

On the Federal priorities list is the Talkeetna sewer and water hydrant expansion. That will improve fire protection service in the Talkeetna area. The Willow Fire and EMS station also made the list. 

The priorities will be submitted to legislators for consideration in their upcoming sessions.