Opinions

sought on Hatcher Pass plan

Oct. 16, 2005

DARRELL L. BREESE\Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - People in the Valley have been talking about it for years. Now, before the latest plan to develop a ski area in Hatcher Pass enters the phase of negotiations, the public will get a chance to share its views on latest plans.

Tuesday, during the Mat-Su Borough Assembly's regular meeting, people will be able to say how they want to move forward with JL Properties in developing the proposed ski area.

All that's needed now for JL Properties to advance to the next phase is approval from the assembly, since the development will take place on borough land and involve the commitment of nearly $10 million from the borough. If the assembly decides to support the plan, JL Properties will start talking with Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority officials about terms for securing a $15-million loan backed by AIDEA and a $9-million bank loan, with which AIDEA will participate.

The assembly was primed, at its Sept. 20 meeting, to authorize Borough Manager John Duffy to begin negotiations with JL Properties for the $41.25-million ski area and residential resort, but called for public hearings on the plan at the urging of members Bill Allen and Talis Colberg. Colberg and Allen insisted there was too much involved with the plan to rush into negotiations without allowing the public to have some input.

Allen also questioned ties between assembly member Jim Colver and AIDEA board chair Mike Barry.

The assembly held a work session Thursday to address Allen's concerns about Colver and Barry, as well as other main points of the plans.

Also on the agenda is a public hearing regarding the Meadow Lakes Comprehensive Plan, another topic some feel they have so far been denied an opportunity to address..

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267.