State to study access to west Susitna River Valley

JUNEAU — Gov. Sean Parnell and state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Commissioner Pat Kemp announced a contract with HDR Alaska, a multi-disciplined engineering and planning firm, to conduct a new resource access study focused on the west side of the Susitna River.

The study — due to be complete late this summer — will research possible routes and the requirements necessary to connect the resource-rich area west of the Susitna River with the existing road system.

“Surface access would greatly benefit Alaskans and create more economic opportunity in the West Susitna River Valley,” Parnell said. “We remain committed to exploring our options to make the area more accessible.”

Kemp said the study is exploratory in nature and is not related to a specific project or plan.

The study will proceed with three basic steps: measure and document the resource development potential; examine crossing options for the Susitna River; and research the best option to reach the river from the existing road system.

The department is assembling a distribution list to keep people informed of the study’s progress. Anyone interested may call the commissioner’s office in Juneau at (907) 465-3900 or in Anchorage at (907) 266-2793.

A web page on dot.alaska.gov will also be available as the project develops.