Borough gives updates to Mat-Su Central School, other construction projects

During a joint meeting between the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD), members were given an update on the construction progress being made on the new Mat-Su Central School.

Cole Branham, Project Management Division Manager for the MSB gave an update, highlighting that exterior work that’s been completed so far, including the metal framing, vertical panels being installed, and work on the parking lot, with plans to get the parking lot paved by the end of the month.

“The building will be dry and enclosed, targeting that for the end of the month.”

On the interior, he said that crews are working on the sheet rock, marking the transition from rough in-work to finish work, while also working on the commissioning process as crews get closer to project completion.

“The Mat-Su Central School project is tracking very well as far as schedule and budget,” Branham said.

The project began with a groundbreaking last year and laying the foundation before winter set in. After taking care of details over the winter, Branham told members that they were able to hit the ground running.

Also included in the construction project is a road infrastructure project Catherine Drive, connecting Trunk Road to Stringfield Road and is now complete and open. It is expected to help ease some of the congestion already there as well as when the school is open for students.

“We felt like that was a pretty big win to add in that connection.”

Branham said that the expected substantial completion date for the project is December 15, when the building is technically occupied to be used for its intended purpose.

“Final completion is June 30, 2025. We’re on track for that.”

Branham also updated the assembly on several smaller projects taking place throughout the school district, including 3 boiler projects at Colony Middle School, Wasilla High School, and Su-Valley Jr/Sr Schools.

While the WHS and Su Valley projects are a higher priority, Branham said that all three are waiting for construction bids, adding that Colony Middle School’s boiler will require some additional design work, along with some pump and control work, but in the end, all three will have better heating for the students and staff.

Branham said that several schools, including Big Lake Elementary, Palmer Junior Middle School, and Palmer High School will be having elevator upgrade projects to meet ADA standards that he expects to have under construction next summer.

There will be several FEMA projects for hazard mitigation, including a seismic gas shutoff valve project that includes 40 different site across the district awaiting bid documents that Branham says should get underway in the summer while school is out of session.

The last project Branham spoke about was the suspended ceiling and sprinkler replacement needed at 14 different facilities in the district.

“We’re just beginning assessment on that. Once that’s complete, we’ll develop a plan on phasing the design and construction for that project,” Branham said of the FEMA project, which he said is rather large and expected to take a number of summers to complete.