Group Forms Supporting West Susitna Access

Recently, a coalition representing Alaska business owners, policy makers and outdoor recreation advocates announced the formation of an organization called “Friends of West Susitna”.

According to the group, they are a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for the West Susitna Access Project, a proposed road into what is currently a wilderness area.

Cindi Herman, Board Chair for the group, put out a statement saying, “It’s time for this expansive part of the state to become accessible to more Alaskans.”

According to research that the Mat-Su Borough conducted last year, some Borough residents agree.

40% of Borough residents say they will support the project if the road is built as a public road.

But the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), who accepted 8.5 million dollars from the State to move the project forward, has been vague about how much of the road will be accessible to the public.  AIDEA maintains there will be some public access points, but that the road is being designed as a private road.  AIDEA also claims that the road will be built with private funds, provided by a private party.

Only 20% of Borough residents are in favor of a private road being built.

“Friends of the West Susitna” have set up a website and a Facebook page. They are also seeking donations and other means of support.

The group says they intend to participate in the public process that is currently underway, to ensure that supporters of access to the West Susitna area be heard.