Access is everything: Borough residents support building a road in the West Susitna

The West Susitna Access Road is a critical infrastructure project with potential to provide immense benefits to Alaska, its residents, and visitors alike. The road will provide access to all Alaskans: access to public land currently available only to a handful of people, access to recreational opportunities, and access to jobs created by developing the area’s natural resources.

According to a recent public opinion survey conducted by a local research firm, 60% of Borough residents support the project because of its potential to increase access to hunting, fishing, recreational and natural resource development and related jobs, all of which are highly desirable in the Mat-Su Borough.

Even at this early stage in the road’s development, the construction of the West Susitna Access Road is estimated to generate substantial economic benefits for residents and businesses. According to the State of Alaska’s own estimates, the project will create hundreds of jobs during construction, and more once complete. Building the road is just the tip of the iceberg; the economic potential offered by resource development, tourism operations, and the launch of other small businesses is limited only by our imaginations and innovation.

The West Susitna Access Project will provide a much-needed boost to the state’s economy, which has been struggling for years. Local jobs will become available to Borough residents, meaning more family-supporting wages spent locally and growing the Borough’s residential tax base. The Borough needs to grow its industrial tax base; the West Susitna is its best opportunity to do so.

The road will lead to the build out of much-needed infrastructure, such as power transmission and telecommunications, which will improve the area’s quality of life. Currently, the area’s remote nature means long emergency response times; this is a problem throughout rural Alaska, and the West Susitna is no different. In the event of an emergency, like a natural disaster or medical emergency, the road will provide emergency responders with a reliable means of transportation, potentially saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters like wildfires or windstorms on local communities.

The West Susitna is home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. Residents and visitors should enjoy easier access to exploring and enjoying these areas. The road will provide access to remote areas that are currently only accessible by private boat or plane, making it easier for residents and guests to engage in activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. In the fastest-growing part of the state, building a road that provides more access to more people makes sense.

The road’s public engagement process is just getting started. Concerns voiced by some stem from the early nature of the project, where details regarding road use, safety and access for boat launching and other activities have yet to be released. We understand consultation and input on these issues will be included in the Army Corps of Engineers public comment process, which we believe will create even more local support for the road. Either way, we encourage residents to get involved and learn more at our website, friendsofwestsusitna.org.

Building the West Susitna Access Road is a sound decision that will bring tangible benefits to Alaska and Borough residents. The project enjoys public support, as well as that of Matanuska Susitna Borough leadership and the Mat-Su’s legislative delegation. It is vital the state continue to invest in critical infrastructure projects like these to ensure Alaska’s residents and businesses thrive for years to come.

Cindi Herman is the chair of Friends of West Susitna, a local advocacy group supporting the road. She owns the Skwentna Roadhouse, and lives in the West Su year-round.