Port MacKenzie rail extension project asks for comments

The Surface Transportation Board has completed their draft environmental impact statement on the Port MacKenzie Rail extension project.

The project is a proposal to extend the Alaska Railroad from some connecting point, between Big Lake to north of Willow to Port MacKenzie  — a total of 30 to 45 miles of new railroad line.  The final design and construction is estimated to cost between $170 to $240 million.  It is estimated that $84 million has already been allocated to the project’s preliminary design.

The proposed rail line would provide a connection for freight services between Port Mackenzie and Interior Alaska.  The port facility is owned and operated by the Mat Su Borough and the Borough is a co sponsor of the proposed rail line.  Any added freight on the rail line to the Port would travel through Healy and Talkeetna to the new spur on the rail line.

The connecting point has NOT yet been decided, but the draft E-I-S lists the different proposed extension points and the environmental impact of each.

The federal arm of the government that approves all new rail lines – the Surface Transportation Board – is holding a series of public meetings in April about the draft proposal. It is a formal public comment period and a testifying opportunity for any resident wishing to have their comments officially recorded.

Meetings are scheduled in Big Lake on April 8^th in Wasilla, April 12^th in Houston, April 13^th in Willow and April 14^th again in Wasilla.  There are no meetings planned for north of Willow.

The deadline to comment, either orally or written is May 10^th.  The local public libraries  have a copy of the EIS and it is also available on line.