Wasilla Fishhook asbestos warnings are precautionary

WASILLA -- Several buildings along Wasilla-Fishhook Road have been vacated and boarded up, with bright yellow signs tacked to the windows and doors warning the public of possible asbestos hazards.

The buildings and property were recently acquired by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities as it procures right of way in preparation to widen and straighten 2.8 miles of Wasilla-Fishhook Road -- from Main Street in Wasilla to Seldon Road.

DOTPF spokesman Rick Feller said the vacated buildings have not been inspected for asbestos but were quartered off for safety reasons.

"The asbestos warning is out of an abundance of caution," he said. "We are trying to keep everyone out, but at this point there is no determination of asbestos."

Whenever DOTPF acquires property, Feller said they quarter it off until final investigation. He estimated there are roughly 20 structures, including several homes that were vacated as part of the Wasilla-Fishhook Road Project.

Feller said the residents of those homes have been relocated to other sites.

"Once acquisition is made, it becomes a relocation issue," Feller said. "We are mandated by our own statutes to find equal or superior replacement housing."

At this point, Feller said it was uncertain whether the buildings would be removed or turned over to be demolished.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.