Point Mackenzie site moves closer as prison

PALMER—The Point MacKenzie site moves a step closer toward becoming the MAT-SU prison site. Last night the Planning Commission of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough passed a resolution that endorses Point MacKenzie as the preferred site for the project.

The site at Sutton (Palmer Correctional Facility) is the alternative site only if the geotechnical and water tests prove insufficient.

About 50 residents turned out to participate at Swanson Elementary despite the heavy snowfall. Of those, 27 residents and/or property owners testified. Little more than half who spoke opposed the prison either in general or at the Point MacKenzie site, north of Alsop Road. Those who testified expressed concerns about water supply, inadequate public notice, traffic congestion, loss of property values, effects on nearby refuges, among others. Some worried about the area's appeal for future development being ruined.

Earlier the Point MacKenzie Community Council passed a resolution against the prison there.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Port Commission passed a resolution supporting the Point MacKenzie site.

Several of those who spoke in favor of the prison coming to the Point MacKenzie area live there. Farmer Vicki Trytten said she had 12 signatures from landowners whose properties total 5,500 acres. She said residents want basic services that the prison would bring such as a fire service area and eventually mail, schools, and stores. Wasilla is 30 miles away. Few jobs are there.

The prison will require 400 to 600 employees with a payroll of $34.8 million. Construction jobs will stretch over three years and could provide an estimated $99.6 million in labor income.

Vice Chair Mark Masteller said concerns of some residents could be ameliorated by proper site design and planning. Masteller also said he wanted to follow up on how the project would affect hunting if at all, given the nearby refuges.

Residents have another chance to voice their opinions at a public hearing before the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Central MAT-SU Public Safety Building in Wasilla.

The Assembly will consider whether to accept the Point MacKenzie site as the actual site for the prison.

The MAT-SU prison project is expected to cost $303 million plus inflation. The maximum number of beds is 2,251.

For extensive background on the project please visit the prison page on the Borough Web site www.matsugov.us For more information contact Patty Sullivan at (907) 745-9577.