Soils study approved for proposed Hatcher Pass residential area

MAT-SU -- The Mat-Su Borough Assembly recently agreed to move forward on a proposal to perform more than $83,000 worth of topographical and soils investigation work at Hatcher Pass. But this work won't be in preparation for a ski area or day use site -- the soils work will be done on the south side of Hatcher Pass, the area that has been discussed for development as residential use.

"We have identified three alternatives," Assistant Borough Manager David Germer told the assembly at their Nov. 19 meeting. "Each have various pros and cons."

The three alternatives, as outlined by borough administration and Economics Research Associates, the borough's Hatcher Pass consultant, are to either open the borough's portion of Hatcher Pass to requests for proposals, develop additional background information and then proceed with the requests for proposals, or do nothing.

"The large majority of our prior investigations are associated with the alpine ski area and not with south-side development," Germer said. The soils investigation, he said, would have a long shelf-life and could help developers know whether potential development of the area was even feasible, or if soil conditions would render it unusable.

Assembly member Talis Colberg voiced his initial opposition to the plan, stating his belief that the first alternative -- issuing an RFP -- was the best route.

"Send out for proposals, then do the work, if needed," Colberg said. "… Over and over again, we get these incremental steps."

Colberg has, in the past, opposed the borough's completion of project after project at Hatcher Pass, saying it seemed to be laying the groundwork for a borough-owned and operated ski area, something the assembly had said in the past it was not interested in pursuing.

Germer said it was likely the study would have to be done anyway, and the RFP may have a better response if the information is available beforehand.

At the public hearing about the study, even those who have voiced opposition to development at Hatcher Pass spoke in favor of the soils investigation.

"This is a good thing," said Kathy Wells, who has, in the past, spoken against large-scale development in the Hatcher Pass area. "Hopefully this will determine the highest, best use for the area. [And] We need a SPUD (Special Use District) that's enforceable -- that follows some of the recommendations in the Hatcher Pass Management Plan."

At the meeting, assembly member Jim Colver moved approval of the ordinance, saying he felt the soils study would help the borough toward its goal of securing the right developer to get a ski area at Hatcher Pass up and running.

"I think we do have our eye on the ball -- and that is achieving some alpine skiing," Colver said.

The motion passed without objection.