“You are leading the way.” Ground broken for Wasilla airport extension

On Friday, Governor Mike Dunleavy, Matanuska Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries, and Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford helped lead the groundbreaking on the Wasilla Airport Expansion Project.

Mayor Ledford kicked off the event by thanking the many people involved in helping provide $5 million in funding to the project, including Representatives Jesse Summer and Kevin McCabe, and the Governor.

The groundbreaking will allow the runway to extend to 5100 feet and that is just the beginning.

“I think the expansion of the airport is a good thing not just for the City of Wasilla, but also for the state of Alaska,” said Representative Cathy Tilton.

“Our main airport is Ted Stevens, which is very busy and can be hard for a lot of people that might only need a small flight to get where they’re going,” she said, adding that anything that is going to spur economic development is something to be excited about.

During remarks before the groundbreaking, Mayor Ledford said she is also excited about the possibilities for economic growth.

“This project will develop the necessary infrastructure for our airport by fostering public and private partnerships which will rock the economic engine for this region.” She later said that there is a shared vision for Wasilla to become the aviation provision center and the core of the area’s food security system.

“The airport was one of the city’s utmost priorities and the driving force for diversifying our economy and bringing valuable jobs to Wasilla and the Mat-Su,” Mayor Ledford remarked, adding that as Wasilla moves forward, the city remains committed to provide the infrastructure necessary for continued business and industry growth.

“This is really a time to rejoice for exactly what the City of Wasilla is doing, not only in this project, but so many other projects the mayor is spearheading,” said MSB Mayor DeVries. She went on to say that any project that improves one part of the Borough improves the lives of all the Borough.

Governor Dunleavy thanked the Department of Transportation, the City of Wasilla Parks and Recreation, and extended gratitude to everyone behind the scenes making this extension possible.

Also on hand for the festivities were Senators Mike Shower, Shelley Hughes, and David Wilson, along with Representatives McCabe, Sumner, and Rauscher.

“This airport, when this is extended, is going to be able to bring in larger planes, more business, more opportunities, and emergency medical flights. This will be key, a cornerstone for this entire Borough,” said Governor Dunleavy.