The Rasmuson Foundation recently awarded the Matanuska-Susitna Borough $200,000 for the Government Peak Recreation Area project. The funds will help enhance the $1 million chalet by upgrading the kitchen and installing a fire suppression system. The award will also help begin lighting 2.1 miles of ski trails at night with LEDs. Residents would be able to ski after work, reducing the grip of winter through sweat and laughter.
"We thank the Rasmuson Foundation for investing in this regional recreation project, a place that is already becoming a destination for locals and visitors," Assembly Member Jim Colver said.
The lights on ski trails are expected to increase trail users by fourfold in winter. The winter night skiing gives residents an outlet close to home for recreation and good mental health. The lighting will be directed down. Last year the membership of the Mat-Su Ski Club's Junior Nordic Ski Team increased from 85 to 220 with the opening of the trails, with even larger numbers this year.
Installing an upgraded kitchen and the mandatory fire suppression system will enhance the marketability of the chalet and the viability of the recreation area. Residents have already leased the chalet for weddings and parties. The Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation leases the space for the Borough and occupies an office at the chalet.
The Borough has contributed $400,000 to the project in the recent budget.
Government Peak Recreation Area is in the Talkeetna Mountains, north of Palmer, some 7,860 acres a mix of Borough-owned and State-owned lands. Nordic ski trails are on the south side of Government Peak and a proposed downhill/alpine ski area is on the north side of Government Peak where a sledding hill is now.
The five miles of trails on the Nordic side of the mountain are also used by people exercising on snow shoes, with their dog skijoring, fat tire bike riding, as well as mountain bike riding, and walking in summer. This past summer, a mountain bike trail and an equestrian trail were built by private groups.
Government Peak is a multi-phased project. Its expansion of trails, the road, and utilities is on a Borough priority project list for State funding.
Complete Press Release
Here is the complete press release from the Foundation.
For Immediate Release on November 24, 2014
Contact: Cassandra Stalzer, 907-334-0520
Foundation announces $8.7 million in grants, awards Anchorage, AK - The Rasmuson Foundation Board of Directors announced $8.7 million in grants, program-related investments (PRIs) and initiative funding, bringing the total amount of funds awarded since 1955 to more than $250 million.
Meeting Nov. 20 in Anchorage, the Directors approved 19 grants to nonprofit programs and activities around Alaska. The board also approved a PRI to expand The Philanthropy Hub in midtown Anchorage, and committed funds to continue the Recover Alaska and Community Asset Building Initiatives.
The organizations and projects receiving funds are (organized by region):
Mat-Su
- Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services (Nugen’s Ranch) will receive $189,300 to purchase agricultural equipment and expand its surveillance system.
- The City of Wasilla will receive $750,000 for construction of a replacement public library.
- Chickaloon Native Village will receive $525,000 to construct a health and wellness center.
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough will receive $200,000 to purchase and install LED lights on trails and construct a catering kitchen at Government Peak Recreation Area.
Prince William Sound
Southcentral
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will receive $212,801 to construct a visitor multipurpose building.
- Anchorage Community YMCA will receive $495,000 for construction, furnishings and equipment for a new Wellness Center.
- Covenant House Alaska will receive $98,000 to renovate the Rights of Passage transitional living facility.
- Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum will receive $100,000 to restore the historic Stinson L-1 aircraft.
- St. Mary’s Episcopal Church will receive $169,825 to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new Thomas Center for Senior Leadership, a public space developed as part of a new senior housing development.
- University of Alaska Foundation University of Alaska Anchorage will receive $300,000 to expand the Alaska Joint Library Catalog.
- The ARC of Anchorage will receive $170,000 for IT network and system upgrades.
- United Way of Anchorage will receive $346,000 for improvements to the Success by Six building in Mountain View.
- The Board approved a PRI of up to $380,000 to Calais Office Center, LLC for additional space to accommodate The Philanthropy Hub at the Alaska Community Foundation.
Southeast
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Yukon-Kuskokwim
- Village of Atmautluak will receive $147,177 to purchase dental and medical equipment.
Statewide
- The Board approved a $1,850,000 investment over three years for the Recover Alaska initiative, a multi-funder collaborative that seeks to reduce the harm to Alaskans from the excessive consumption of alcohol.
- The Alaska Community Foundation will receive a one-year grant of $665,000 for sustaining support and to extend for one year the Community Asset Building Initiative, which seeks to build local, permanently-endowed community funds.
National
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. will receive $75,000 to study the feasibility of a formal programmatic collaboration with the Anchorage Museum.
About the Foundation
Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband "E.A." Rasmuson. Through grant making and initiatives, the Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.
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