Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
Assembly members for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough met with state lawmakers last week to highlight priority projects for the Borough for the coming year. The extension of a rail link from Port MacKenzie to the main line is uppermost on the Valley’s wish list. The state is willing to put up $20 million for the project, but Mat Su officials want an additional $35 million to start the first phase of the project. Borough estimates indicate another $107 million will be needed to finish the rail link by 2014.
Next on the list, a ferry terminal at Port MacKenzie for the new ice breaking ferry M/V Susitna. The estimated cost of the terminal is set at $12 million. Other projects desired by Valley include transportation upgrades for local traffic arteries, among them an access road for the South Denali Visitors Center. The Borough also wants state funding for a Hatcher Pass ski trails project.
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