Transportation Expo: From Point A to Point B

In addition to people, Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer was packed with maps, diagrams, charts, handouts and pretty much every other kind of educational information related to major infrastructure projects in the Mat-Su Valley Thursday. Local government, state and other agencies were on-hand for the annual Mat-Su Transportation Fair.

All total, more than 60 booths were set up covering everything from the Alaska Railroad to regional aviation plans to road construction projects—both completed and ongoing. The event was sponsored by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; the cities of Palmer, Wasilla, and Houston; the Alaska Railroad Corporation; Mat-Su Community Transit; and the Mat-Su Borough.

Not everything was centered around road construction. Representatives from area public transportation authorities — Mat-Su, Chickaloon, Sunshine Clinic and the Bureau of Indian Affairs — were available to answer questions and explain the offerings of each. Other covered topics included bike safety and various regional and local cycling paths, and planned power and natural gas line extensions as the Valley continues experiencing rapid growth.

Those looking for something not related to infrastructure also had something to choose from. Other booths focused on fish passage projects, issues related to using wood as a winter heat source in the Valley, the Mat-Su’s trails and parks and the State’s “511 Traveler Information” program.

More than 400 people attended last year’s event.