Worthy time together at LIO

MAT-SU— Assembly Members and State Legislators, all representing the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, discussed roads, projects, health care, child protection services, tourism, natural resources, and the state budget today (Nov. 2).

Six of the local State Delegation attended, including (as pictured left to right) Sen. Linda Menard, Rep. Wes Keller, Rep. Carl Gatto, Sen. Charlie Huggins, Rep. Mark Neuman, and new to our table Sen. John Coghill who now has Sen. Gene Therriault's seat. Rep. Bill Stoltze and Rep. John Harris could not attend.

Among the projects discussed was the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. The rail spur was highlighted as a project with benefits that stretch far beyond the MAT-SU. Recent studies, found on the economic development page of the Borough web site, show impressive economic benefit to the state. Among the findings:

• Port MacKenzie Rail Extension will give more than a $100 million boost to the most important project of our time: the State's natural gas pipeline. The $100 million in transportation savings is because of the shorter rail distance to tide water for the transport of heavy materials.
• New mines, stimulated by the project, are expected to provide up to $18 billion in revenues to the State through mining taxes, corporate taxes, and royalties.

Also at the meeting, MAT-SU Deputy Mayor Lynne Woods and Assembly Member Cindy Bettine recognized resident Cathi Kramer for a national award in fire prevention. Kramer is one of three in the nation to receive the award by the National Fire Protection Association. Woods read a proclamation honoring Kramer for leading the development of the first Firewise Community in the state of Alaska in her neighborhood of Horseshoe Lake, a community of Big Lake. Kramer knows first-hand the destructive force of fire as she and her neighbors lost their homes in the 1996 Miller's Reach Fire, still today Alaska's most destructive fire. Kramer and her neighbors picked up the pieces and rebuilt their homes, vowing to fight fire with preparedness. Citizens across the MAT-SU are more prepared to survive a wildfire due to Kramer's proactive actions and guidance.

Kramer said she shares the award with the community. In 2009 so far, some 4,700 volunteer hours have been logged and some $33,000 spent on fuel mitigation and community projects, she said.

Assemblyman Ron Arvin informed State Legislators that a framed image of the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge will be sent to Juneau for their walls. The image by Fred Hirschmann captures Pioneer Peak in the bold blues of late summer with golden cottongrass in the foreground and a streak of violet light on a slough of the Knik River. The $20 Borough poster promotes a Borough state and federal priority project: the Natural Science Education & Community Center. The 45 square miles of the Refuge is a mixing of fresh and salt waters, an amazing habitat collection for learning opportunities. The nonprofit, Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats, is a leading advocate of the project. Sen. Menard said the Center is among her top ten priorities. The Center would also be a community center for Knik-Fairview, the fifth largest community in Alaska and one without a place to hold meetings.

The elected officials will meet again in January before the legislative session begins. For more information call Borough Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan at 907.745.9577 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.