FAIRBANKS -- The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has approved the sale of land to the owner of the Chena Hot Springs to expand his operation.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says the assembly voted 8-1 on Thursday to approve selling 1,400 acres to Chena Hot Springs Resort owner Bernie Karl. The agreement requires Karl to buy the land for fair market value. No price has been set yet.

Karl says the land will be used to expand the offerings of the resort to include a ski slope, a wildlife viewing area and improved aurora viewing facilities.