In lengthy agenda, borough assembly approves multiple funding measures for the Northern Valley

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly passed multiple items with direct impact on the Northern Susitna Valley.

First, the assembly approved a $130,000 match for Sunshine Transit.  The funds come from a dedicated pool for transportation matching funds, and will be combined with over half a million federal dollars to purchase and improve a transit facility.

The assembly also approved an ordinance on Tuesday that puts an additional $100,000 toward the restoration of the former community center in Willow.  Efforts to restore the log building, which was constructed manually by Willow residents, have been underway for years.  The increase comes after a previous bidder for the restoration contract was unable to be bonded for it.

Action items on Tuesday’s agenda included approval of the purchase of new generators for Talkeetna Sewer and Water facilities for more than $130,000.  New generators for the pump house and lift stations were part of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget.

Finally, the assembly approved the scope of work and budget for matching funds for a flood risk reduction study to be done by the Army Corps of Engineers.  Funding for the match comes from a grant received by the borough for the purpose of the study.

Tuesday marked the first time in many weeks that the assembly met before an audience, though many testifying opted to call in.  The Mat-Su Borough Assembly is scheduled to meet next Tuesday for budget deliberations.