Bogard project inches forward

MAT-SU — A new year may bring new life to plans to extend Bogard Road.

Since proposing the Bogard Road Extension East Project more than two years ago, Mat-Su Borough staff has run into opposition from property owners who could be affected by extending the roadway. The plan calls for Bogard Road to be extended from near Trunk Road to the Glenn Highway, and is expected to help relieve congestion on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

The project was first approved by the Borough Assembly in November 2005 and $12.6 million of state money is pledged to the expansion. Assembly members could determine the fate of the extension at a meeting scheduled for Feb. 5.

“We definitely need a new east-west corridor,” said Michelle Church, a Borough assembly member. “The Palmer-Wasilla Highway is a mess.”

Along with heavy traffic, one of the problems with the Palmer-Wasilla Highway is the amount of housing built near the highway, Church said. With neighborhoods and homes located directly off the heavily traveled highway, access is an issue. Overall, Church likened the corridor to an extremely long driveway.

Although an additional east-west corridor is needed, Church said it’s important to create a route that meets the Borough’s traffic needs while at the same time addressing residents’ concerns.

Bill Wiederkehr, a second-generation Valley farmer, said he has been involved with the project since its conception. He has good reason, as all of the proposed routes to extend Bogard Road would impact his farm.

Wiederkehr owns a large parcel farm land in the heart of the subject area, he said. As originally proposed, possible extension routes either run through his farm or alongside of his property. Although both alternatives could affect his ability to grow vegetables, what the Borough calls “Alternative 2” would bisect his farm.

“This extension is approximately three miles and slightly over a mile crosses our property,” Wiederkehr said. Whether the road cuts directly through his land, runs along the edge or isn’t built at all, Wiederkehr is anxious for the Borough to make a final decision.

“It’s pretty frustrating for a lot of people,” he said. “Some kind of decision has to be made because a lot of people’s lives are on hold.”

Stewart Osgood, project manager for DOWL Engineers, which is planning the project, said the company has been working to devise a plan that works best for all parties involved. Although the company has been working diligently, it’s a complicated and time-consuming process, he said.

In August, the project team — a group of DOWL and Borough employees — came forward with route recommendations, Osgood said.

Public involvement process may have delayed a route selection, but Osgood said public input has been a necessary and valuable part of the route analysis. Not only does it give residents a chance to weigh in on a local project, it also allows property owners to voice concerns.

Wiederkehr said he appreciates the extra time and effort taken to include public comments and concerns in the analysis process. But after attending the last meeting, he questions the overall impact public opinion could have on a final decision.

“My impression that came out of the [last meeting] was nobody was really for the extension,” Wiederkehr said. “The parameters are so narrow there are no real options.”

Overall, Wiederkehr, Church and Osgood agree it is time to move forward with either selecting a route or axing the project altogether.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.