AARS receives $3 million appropriation for expansion project

Last month, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (AARS) was awarded a $3 million appropriation from Senator Lisa Murkowski to aid in the organization’s expansion efforts of their facility on Point MacKenzie.

Substance Use Disorder continues to be a critical issue in the Mat-Su Borough, as well as the state of Alaska. As alcoholism and addiction rates in Alaska continues to grow, so does the organization’s waiting list. AARS receives more than 300 statewide referrals a year for levels 3.5 and 3.1 treatment and can treat roughly 40 residential clients a year.

The $3 million appropriation from U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski will pay for Phase I of AARS’ Expansion Project, covering the cost of site preparation and design services, construction administration, and initial contractual services.

“These Phase I funds from U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski will allow us to begin our expansion efforts and open the door for more funding,” said Bryan Brandenburg, Executive Director of AARS. “Our number one priority remains assisting even more Alaskans living with SUD. This appropriation brings us one step closer to achieving this goal.”

In 2022, AARS contracted ECI Architects to design an additional 26-bed facility (for a total of 52 beds), including additional staff offices, a community center and gym, and extended parking areas. The total cost of AARS’ Expansion Project is roughly $28 million.

Brandenburg said that Phase II of AARS’ Expansion Project will cost $14 million and include the actual construction of its new facility. In 2024, AARS’ leadership team has made several trip to Juneau to work with Alaska’s legislators, including members of the Mat-Su delegation, on funding Phase II through the upcoming Capital budget.

“We hope they see the importance of the work we are doing,” said Brandenburg. “Senator Murkowski understands that the more we do as a community to battle SUD, the better future we will have for Alaska. We are truly grateful for her vision and support!”

For 42 years, AARS has been at the forefront of serving adults struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) in Alaska through its high-quality, clinically managed residential treatment facility. AARS is one of the state’s longest running treatment programs that currently houses up to 26 residential clients, as well as ten outpatient clients who reside in its nearby transitional homes.

For more information on AARS and its treatment services, visit aarsrecovery.org, or contact JJ Harrier at 907-376-4534, or email j.harrier@aarsrecovery.org.