Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority submits federal permit application for West Susitna Access Project

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority has submitted an application for a U.S. Corps of Engineers Section 474 permit for the West Susitna Access Project, a proposed industrial road connected undeveloped western parts of the Matanuska-Susita Borough with public roads in the borough.

“This project aims to enhance connectivity within the Borough by constructing a 78.5-mile access road. The Project will begin approximately 1.4 miles west of Alexander Creek and extend to the Whiskey Bravo airstrip and mineral exploration camp,” AIDEA said in its July 25 announcement.

That is near where NovaMinerals, an Australia-based minerals company, is exploring discoveries of gold and antimony.

On its east end the road will connect with a planned state-built highway that will cross the Susitna River on a new bridge to connect with existing Mat-Su roads a few miles further east. The bridge and highway to Alexander Creek will be built with federal funds.

The route for AIDEA’s road extending west will traverse the northern side of the Skwentna River before crossing to the southern side, ending at the Whiskey Bravo airstrip, AIDEA said in its announcement.

The road will provide year-round public access to currently remote State public lands and private lands within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and areas planned for resource development, AIDEA said.

"AIDEA's West Susitna Road holds significant value for Alaskans, especially local residents seeking better access to hunting, fishing, recreation, and potential opportunities in mining, processing, and manufacturing," Gov. Mike Dunleavy said.

"My administration and AIDEA are continually exploring ways to boost our economy and create well-paying jobs for families. This project presents a fantastic opportunity for Alaska to expand and generate revenue."

The primary purpose of the project is to provide reliable and year-round road access to remote areas, significantly improving public use for recreation, and settlement. Additionally, the road will enhance commercial use of designated critical mineral development areas, promote job growth and sustainable economic benefits for the State and Mat-Su. The need for this access road has been identified in various State area plans, highlighting the importance of improving transportation to the region.

State Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, a strong supporter of the road and other regional transportation improvements, said, "The West Susitna Access is an exciting opportunity not only to unlock some of Alaska's extraordinary resource potential, but to provide all Alaskans new access to the recreation and outdoor opportunities found in the West Su."