Visitor center plan moving forward

In 2008, the Mat-Su CVB applied for, and was awarded, a National Scenic Byways grant to develop a plan for a new “Gateway” partnership visitor center. Now, two years later, we are excited to have that plan in place and take the next steps toward making the center a reality.

Agnew-Beck Consulting, along with Wolf Architecture and RECON LLC, was selected to lead the study and produce a plan to move the project forward. In June, the final draft of the Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center Preliminary Feasibility Study was approved by the Mat-Su CVB Board of Directors.

This is a major milestone for our organization and for the tourism industry in the Mat-Su Valley. The facility and its programs can contribute significantly to the economic development of the Mat-Su Valley by increasing visitation, tourism and recreation, particularly nearer to population centers. Further, there is an established need to relocate and replace the existing Mat-Su Visitor Center.

There is a need to promote stewardship and caretaking of the Mat-Su Valley’s cultural and natural resources for both visitors and residents, and there is a desire on the part of many organizations to assist each other in this effort. This project will accomplish those goals, and lead to an increased tourism industry.

The next steps are outlined in a work plan of six phases that total six to seven years. We are in year three, beginning Phase 3: Project Action Plan. Phase 3 involves continued, focused outreach to partners, creating a formal project leadership and establishing formal partnership agreements, identifying preferred site and site access, refining project programs, fund-raising strategy and securing planning funding (project manager, design work and local match).

A meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. at the Mat-Su CVB office to begin Phase 3, inviting potential partners and establishing a task force. The team will approve a draft brochure designed as a marketing piece for fund-raising efforts and gathering community support.

The entire Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center Preliminary Feasibility Study document can be found online at matsuvalleyvisitorcenter.com. Following is a portion of the overview section of the executive summary:

“The intent of the Mat-Su Valley South Gateway Visitor Center is to create a notable, visible entry point to the Mat-Su Valley, and provide visitors and residents alike with an inspiring, beautiful, popular facility that is emblematic of the place. The center must also be a destination in its own right, offering interesting activities and learning experiences. The vision for the facility is grand; this vision will be tempered and refined throughout the planning, fundraising, design and building process, based on partner commitments, funding availability, site selection and control, programming decisions and the extent to which the center will serve various market segments.”

The findings of this Preliminary Feasibility Study indicate that:

• This project is doable in a reasonable time frame, at a reasonable cost.

• Potential partners exist that have the organizational capacity to design, construct and operate this facility. There is a significant level of interest from partner organizations to work cooperatively in establishing the center.

We, as an organization, are excited about the Gateway Visitor Center and the endless possibilities such a facility can provide to the community, beyond serving as a hub for visitors. Facility rentals, educational and cultural events, community events and more could be incorporated into the plan.

Finally, the Mat-Su CVB would like to thank Assemblywoman Cindy Bettine, who sponsored a resolution issuing the matching funds of $21,000 for the grant.