Wasilla, Houston win argument over bridge

WASILLA — An effort by the cities of Houston and Wasilla to stop changes to Anchorage’s transportation plans regarding the Knik Arm Bridge has succeeded.

Houston Mayor Roger Purcell said the suit the cities filed in Anchorage Superior Court to stop the group Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions from moving the bridge from its short-range plan to its long-range plan was decided in their favor.

“It was real civil. It was pretty fair and I don’t think anybody had any harsh words,” Purcell said of a Tuesday hearing at which the matter was decided. “They agreed to rescind their decision so it’s back on the short term.”

Purcell and Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright argued that the bridge, though originating in Anchorage, lands in the Valley and thus has major impacts for their cities. They took issue with the AMATS decision, saying they should have been notified of the impending change.

Purcell said Wednesday the agreement isn’t fully official quite yet. Lawyers on both sides are hammering out a proper agreement and nothing’s been signed.

“I take (Anchorage) Mayor (Dan) Sullivan and them all at their words that they’re going to do what they said they’re going to do,” Purcell said.

He counts himself a long-time advocate of the bridge, saying he’s testified at Anchorage meetings in the past on the topic. The Houston City Council also supports the project, the mayor said.

Recently, he said, “Our city council did another resolution in favor of the bridge, asking Gov. Parnell to step forward and endorse it.”