DNR pushing power to the Park

A plan to extend 3-phase electrical lines from the Junction of the Spur Road and the Parks Highway into Denali State Park is in the works. David Griffin, a resource Specialist for the Parks and Recreation Division of the Department of Natural Resources, attended last week’s meeting of the Trapper Creek Community Council to give an overview of the plan to upgrade existing single-phase lines from Mile 98 of the Parks highway north to mile 121, and extend the industrial-grade power to mile 134. The 3-phase power lines will be used to run the proposed South Denali Visitor’s Center.

Griffin says the project has an estimated cost of five-point-seven million dollars, of which Alaska State Parks will pay half. Griffin says they are looking for partners on the project to cover the balance. Princess Lodge has committed to $1 million for the project, since the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge at mile 133 on the Parks Highway would benefit from the power source. Griffin says State Parks approached the Mat-Su Borough for assistance, but the Borough would not commit to participating in the project.

The first phase of the South Denali Visitor’s Center will begin construction in Summer 2012. Plans call for an access road, parking lot, campground, and ranger station at mile 134. The actual Visitor’s Center project is a bit further away on the horizon, but will be placed at a higher elevation on a bluff below Curry Ridge.