The State of Alaska, via the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities  (DOT/PF), is proposing to build the West Susitna Access Road – a 22 mile section of road and a bridge over the Susitna River, using largely Federal funds.  The DOT/PF is now entering a public comment period for the project. To ensure the potential of the economic wealth in the West Susitna is realized we need to ensure support is demonstrated in written comments as well as at the public hearings. It is important that DOT/PF receives support from individual Alaskans, businesses, associations and local government. Please consider adding your voice to the public comments.  Please keep comments limited to the project’s ‘purpose and need’ as stated on their website.
 

• The public comments period is open now and closes on August 23, 2024.
• August 14, 2024: Anchorage Public Open House
• August 15, 2024: Mat-Su Public Open House
• Details here: West Susitna Access Road Project | (westsuaccess.com)

 
 
Step 1        Read Below For Some Background & Links To More Information
 
West Susitna Access Project
The State of Alaska is proposing a 22-mile road aimed to improve access to six million acres of undeveloped land in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, enhance recreation, tourism, and future development. The road starts at the western end of West Susitna Parkway, located at the southwestern corner of the Big Lake community. The western terminus of the project is near Milepost 23, approximately 1.5 miles west of the proposed bridge over Alexander Creek. This location provides access to Alaska Department of Natural Resources-managed lands designated for settlement and other uses.
 
DOT/PF  project website: West Susitna Access Road Project | (westsuaccess.com)
Email: comments@westsuaccess.com
Online comment form: http://eepurl.com/hiQHnX
 
 
Step 2        Add your voice to the Public Comments in Support of the DOT West Susitna Access Road
Topics/points to raise:
 
Recreational Access
Proposed project would allow new boat launch access points at the Susitna River and Fish Creek.
Provide access to public recreational lands for subsistence, hiking, camping, fishing, berry picking, skiing, snow machine riding and hunting.
Importantly, like other parts of the State which we can all currently enjoy because of road access, this project will allow anyone with a vehicle to enjoy this area.  Not just those with a boat, snow mobile or airplane!
 
Economic Opportunity
Provide access to existing subdivisions for settlement such as Alexander Creek West, Trail Ridge and Otter Lakes.
Provide access to State lands currently designated for designated for forestry.
Provide access to additional agricultural lands.
A bridge across the Susitna River could provide better access to the West side of Cook Inlet with potential to access energy resources, including renewables, that could provide energy to the Railbelt.
A bridge across the Susitna River would allow access to resource rich state lands.
 
Sample text – feel free to cut/paste/edit to make sure your own voice and thoughts are heard:
 
Dear Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities,
 
I am writing to express my strong support for the West Susitna Access Road Project. This initiative promises to extend access across the Susitna River and build 22 miles of road, unlocking the potential of six million acres of undeveloped land in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough12.
 
(Describe who you are: things like how long you have lived or worked in Alaska, what you do and how you might use the road or support the economic benefits.)
 
The project is not only a significant step towards improving recreational access, allowing new boat launch points at the Susitna River and Fish Creek, but it also opens the door to economic opportunities. By providing access to State lands designated for settlement, forestry, agriculture and resource development, the project aligns with Alaska's Constitution, which champions infrastructure development to maximize land use and economic opportunities for all.
 
I believe that the West Susitna Access Road Project is crucial for enhancing recreation, tourism, and future development within the state. It will provide access to public recreational lands for subsistence, hiking, camping, fishing, berry picking, skiing, snow machine riding, and hunting. Moreover, a bridge across the Susitna River could provide better access to the West side of Cook Inlet, potentially unlocking energy resources, including renewables, that could provide energy to South Central Alaska.
 
I urge the Department to consider the overwhelming benefits of this project and to move forward with its development. Thank you for the opportunity to provide my input on this vital infrastructure project.
 
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[contact information]
 
Step 3        Post your comments
You have three choices:
 

1. Online Form:  Copy from the above example text, paste it into the Online Form: comments | West Susitna Access Road Project (westsuaccess.com).  Then, if desired, edit it to make it your own personal message and hit the ‘Submit’ button.  

 

2. Email: comments@westsuaccess.com  Copy and edit the text, hit Send

 

3. Mail: download the fillable form here West Susitna Access Road Project Environmental Phase Comment Form (westsuaccess.com) or here https://westsuaccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240718_WestSu_Comment_Form_7-23-to-8-23.pdf 

Print and mail to:
 
West Susitna Access Road Project
c/o HDR
582 E 36th Ave, Ste 500
Anchorage, AK 99503