Ribbon cuttings: Wasilla, Big Lake celebrate completed projects

WASILLA — Ribbons were cut on two major Valley infrastructure projects Wednesday. The community of Big Lake celebrated its new roundabout while the City of Wasilla officially opened its new bulk water station.

The $3.7 million roundabout project was essentially completed about a month ago. Since then, crews have been putting the finishing touches—road markings and landscaping—on the project. According to Assemblyman Dan Mayfield, the cost was split with the State of Alaska. Mat-Su Borough voters passed a bond issue to fund the balance in 2011. Construction on the project began in June of this year, and as both Mayfield and borough manager Mike Campfield noted, finished on budget.

The project’s intent is to provide improved traffic flow at two key intersections along Big Lake Road—both at Northshore Drive intersection and the other at the Hollywood Drive. Campfield, Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) right-of-way agent Kevin Vakalis and Mayfield addressed those gathered for the event. All three commended Jolt Construction Company out of Big Lake for their work on the project. They also said it would address the expected future growth of the Big Lake as a popular recreation area.

Roundabouts are gaining on popularity as a way to not only keep traffic flowing, but significantly cutting down on the number of serious accidents, Vakaylus told the crowd. The Big Lake project was implemented to address that, as well as pedestrian safety and drainage issues, according to a borough press release.

The second pair of scissors came out later that afternoon in the city of Wasilla. Mayor Bert Cottle and some of his support staff officially opened a new $800,000 bulk water station on Weber Street. Cottle said the station will not only supply clean, drinkable water to Wasilla residents, but the entire Mat-Su Valley.

“The project started three year ago,” Cottle stated. “State grants (came) in at $600,000, the rest is being funded by the city. Clean, drinkable water is a basic need that the City of Wasilla is proud to provide.”

The station is located at 550 North Weber. It has both a standard, household and three-inch tap for bulk water loads. The facility is electronically operated using credit or debit cards. Those purchasing water can do so for as little as three cents per gallon. The minimum purchase is $5 which will provide up 150 gallons of water. Cottle explained the additional fifty cents covers credit/debit card processing fees.

Based on Internet sources, it’s estimated that the Mat-Su Borough is home to an estimated 9,000 waterless buildings, including dry cabins. A large number of those are occupied year-round, others are recreational such as camps. Cottle said the plant is a perfect match to meet that need.

The 24-7 plant can pump up to 250 gallons of water per minute. It also has heated cement slabs to prevent ice-up during winter months and security cameras.