Residents Met to Discuss Railroad Access to Remote Parcels

Access has become an issue with more residents purchasing and living on remote land, especially for those that require crossing Alaska Railroad property. Residents in the Goose Creek area south of Caswell Lakes, held a town hall meeting last week to discuss the issue.

State Representative Kevin McCabe attended the meeting and says many residents showed up to share their concerns. Though no resolutions were reached, McCabe says the group did discuss the potential for forming a task force to develop a crossing for the public. 

In a previous interview, Alaska Railroad Director of External Affairs Meghan Clemens says crossings can cost about $400,000. And McCabe notes that if a crossing were built, someone would have to take responsibility for maintaining it.   

Mat-Su Borough Manager Mike Brown says the Borough would not be able to handle a project of that magnitude with the current funding mechanisms. He says the project would have to be approved with Road Service Area funds, which are usually minimal, and that it’s more likely to be completed with State or Federal dollars.  

Brown went on to say that the Borough will continue to participate in the discussion. McCabe also plans to keep apprised of the situation. He says the public is welcome to contact him with questions or issues that arise.