Decision on land transfer for Mat-Su industrial park could come before new governor is sworn in

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is reviewing an application to transfer roughly 20,000 acres near Houston to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority for a proposed 30-square-mile industrial and energy development district. Potential uses include industrial buildings, mining, housing and secure data centers, but no final site plan or specific developer has been identified. More than 2,000 public comments have been submitted, and nearby residents and local officials have objected over recreation, wildlife habitat and broader impacts of development.

DNR Commissioner John Crowther told the Alaska Senate Resources Committee that the transfer could be approved before Gov. Mike Dunleavy leaves office, although surveying, an appeal period and a pending court challenge could extend the process. Former University of Alaska regent Eric Forrer and former state Rep. David Eastman sued in Juneau Superior Court, arguing the transfer is unconstitutional. Committee members, including Chair Cathy Giessel and Sens. Bill Wielechowski and Forrest Dunbar, said Crowther's testimony did not resolve concerns about the legality of transferring public land to an agency controlled by gubernatorial appointees.