Hatcher Pass, the long and winding road

Oct. 2, 2005

Spectrum\Jim Colver

Over the last 20 years, the state Department of Natural Resources and the borough have envisioned an alpine ski area at Hatcher Pass. However, over time, we have learned that the economics of a stand-alone alpine area don't pencil out.

By integrating commercial and residential development, the project is viable and offsets the cost of the ski lifts. A ski area at Hatcher Pass is the borough's top economic development priority.

JL Properties is responding to a borough request for a private-sector firm to propose a development and finance plan. The economics look promising, and for the first time, the dream of skiing can become reality.

In the past several months, I have heard many legitimate concerns about the JL ski area proposal. I believe it is very important to do the project right, and get the best possible deal for the borough.

There are numerous public processes yet to come, and by no means is there a deal. One public process already under way is a planning effort to create a special-use district (SPUD), which are land-use regulations for the south-side area, the 3,000 acres that the borough owns.

The south-side area is not within Hatcher Pass itself, but along the foothills of the mountains facing Palmer. The SPUD will have public hearings before the Parks, Recreation and Trail Committee, the Planning Commission and the Borough Assembly.

Another public process will occur during consideration of legislation for a land conveyance to the borough for the proposed village site. The state Legislature will hold public hearings and deliberations.

Moreover, the Hatcher Pass Management Plan prepared from public participation in the 1980s guides all potential development. The plan contains the blueprint for an alpine ski area, including housing density, backcountry use, wildlife habitat, water quality, snowmachining and mining.

What is currently before the assembly is simply the decision whether to direct the borough manager to begin negotiating the best possible agreement with JL Properties.

That proposed agreement would then be brought back for public hearings and assembly consideration. If there is no agreement then all the other concerns become moot.

My concerns have not been about involving the public - I welcome that - but rather the premature consideration of issues, which will be addressed in separate public processes.

Perhaps the borough has not done a very good job communicating the process and providing opportunities for obtaining information and submitting comment. I welcome the opportunity to hear the issues of concern to my colleagues and the public in the coming work sessions and public hearings.

Hatcher Pass is a very special place for me. I have been skiing the pass since I was a teenager, and built a home there more than 20 years ago. I even got married in Hatcher Pass.

The road I am on is well-traveled; every person who has represented District 6 on the assembly for the past 20 years has supported a ski area.

A ski area at Hatcher Pass will be good for our community, expanding recreation opportunities for our seniors, kids and disabled residents. A world-class Nordic skiing facility will be an added attraction.

We can do it right, keep the values we love, provide the opportunity for those who can't climb up mountains, grow our economy, contribute project net profits to borough coffers, and expand our tax base.

Jim Colver is a Mat-Su Borough Assembly member.