Borough continues Hatcher Pass talks

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - The Mat-Su Borough is continuing negotiations with JL Properties Inc. over its proposed plans for the development of a ski area on Hatcher Pass.

In December, a team from JL Properties presented a conceptual outline for the project to the borough Assembly but at that time a financial plan for the development had not been finalized.

Borough Assistant Manager Marian Romano said the borough is still working on a financial package that is acceptable for both parties.

"We were hoping to have something by the end of February or mid-March but it may take a couple of months," Ramano said. "We're moving in the right direction, but it might take two or three more rounds."

A series of Hatcher Pass development plans have failed over the last two decades. The JL Properties plan is considered by many to be the most viable proposal to date.

Leonard Hyde, co-owner of JL, told assembly members in December that the infrastructure and climate is better for the mountain development than it has been in the past.

"The Valley has a larger population base now, as does all of Southcentral Alaska." he said. Hyde also credited the borough with providing more baseline data in terms of soil quality and improving the power infrastructure to the pass.

Once the borough administration has finalized negotiations with JL, the proposal will go before the assembly for a final vote.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.