Borough receives $3.5 million dollar grant to improve composting program

PALMER — The Mat-Su Borough Solid Waste Division recently received a $3.5 million dollar grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to improve its composting program. A 2.5-acre parcel at the Mat-Su Central Landfill will be used for the composting program.

Following preliminary construction work that's currently underway, the Borough plans to start construction for the compost area during the summer of 2024 with operations expected to ready by late 2024 or early 2025, according to MSB Public Affairs Director Stefan Hinman.

Representatives from the EPA and Alaska Department of Conservation visited the Valley Community for Recycling Solutions for a presentation of the expanded compost program and tour of the VCRS facility Tuesday, Nov. 14.

EPA regional administrator Casey Sixkiller, said this grant gives the Borough more tools to help divert materials from landfills with productive solutions for the community.

"This is a great day for the Borough and we're excited to be here," Sixkiller said.

Borough Mayor Edna DeVries was also attended the event as a special guest speaker. She expressed how the expanded compost program will help outlying areas such as Talkeetna, Willow and Big Lake, since the transfer sites will be able to bring brush in to be composted.

"It's just not for the core area. It will benefit all our citizens," DeVries said.

The Borough works alongside VCRS to process the compost for various uses. VCRS Executive Director Tamara Boeve said they regularly hold composting classes at the center and sell compost back to the community. She said that she's thrilled about the recent grant that will help them expand their capabilities.

"This is wonderful," Boeve said.

MSB Solid Waste Division Manager Jeff Smith was also excited about the grant. He said the funding will give them the chance to introduce more compost options in the future such as adding the capacity to process food waste.

"We would have never done it without the grant," Smith said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com