Anchorage Daily News

PALMER -- In less than three weeks, Matanuska-Susitna area residents will vote on a $49 million road construction package. The package -- the first of its kind in the Valley -- would fund critical road projects, according to borough officials.

But the package, which includes a $15 million borough bond, is contingent on the state Legislature chipping in the remaining $34 million, and for now, that support is still up in the air.

Local legislators said this week they might support the Valley's first-ever attempt to build and improve roads using taxpayer-funded bonds, but several hesitated to fully back the measure until they hear more specifics.

"What rules are there?" asked Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer. "I just have questions and no answers."

Representative Mark Neuman, R-Big Lake, said he wants to see how the borough road projects fit in with the state's long-range transportation plans, and wants assurance -- given the host of road projects planned in the state-- there will be enough workers available to build the Valley projects.

He also wanted to make sure the borough's road plans won't lead to higher road maintenance costs and road service area taxes for residents in his district.

"I do support the idea of the borough having a plan and ... trying to put in some of the money. We need to have some really good discussion on how all these projects fit together," he said.

Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, is attending an education-related conference in Phoenix and was unavailable for comment.

But his chief of staff John Davies said Keller supports roads and would likely support the bond project, so long as the projects are needed and realistic.

"If we can do anything from this office to encourage support and get money for local roads, we'll do it," Davies said.

He said Keller last year successfully pressed the Legislature for $11 million for road projects in the Wasilla area.

The $49 million road package, known as Proposition 2, will come before voters Oct. 7. If passed, borough taxpayers would pay $15 million of that amount, or about $16 for every $100,000 worth of property as assessed by the borough. The state would pick up the remaining 70 percent, borough officials hope.

The bond would be paid off over 20 years.

If the state declines to pitch in on the projects, the borough is prohibited from selling the bonds.

A clause in the road bond legislation prevents any money from being spent without state matching funds.

Find Daily News reporter Rindi White online at adn.com/contact/rwhite or call 352-6709.

Which roads would be built?

• $9 million to upgrade 2.6 miles of Seldon Road from Schrock Road to Wards Road

• $8 million for nonmotorized pathways such as paved bike paths, when terrain and budget allow.

• $8 million for an .8-mile Seward-Meridian Parkway extension to Fairview Loop Road.

• $7 million to upgrade 3.4 miles of Vine Road.

• $6 million for a 1.5-mile connection between Seldon and Beverly Lakes roads.

• $5 million for a .3-mile extension of Hermon Road connecting Parks and Palmer-Wasilla highways.

• $4 million for a .4-mile extension of Dogwood Road behind Carrs in Palmer.

• $2 million to build a .7-mile connection between Jensen and Soapstone roads.

-- Anchorage Daily News

ADVERTISEMENT