Mat-Su Assembly calls for industrial projects at Point MacKenzie, West Susitna; opposes AIDEA transfer
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly formally opposed a state plan to transfer nearly 20,000 acres of recreation land near Houston, Willow, and Meadow Lakes to AIDEA for industrial development, including potential data centers. The Assembly called for such projects to instead be located at Point MacKenzie or West Susitna due to existing infrastructure. The proposed land transfer is currently undecided and faces significant local opposition and legal questions regarding its compliance with Alaska law.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly unanimously approved a resolution formally opposing a state plan to transfer nearly 20,000 acres of recreation land to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). The proposed transfer by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would designate the land, located near Houston, Willow, and Meadow Lakes, for a "multi-use industrial and energy development district" that could include "scalable data centers" and other large-scale industrial projects.
Borough Mayor Edna DeVries and Assembly member Ron Bernier, who proposed the resolution, stated the borough supports development but believes the Point MacKenzie and West Susitna areas are more appropriate locations due to existing infrastructure and prior public investment. This resolution clarifies an earlier directive that some interpreted as support for the Houston-area transfer. The proposed DNR-to-AIDEA transfer has not yet been decided, with over 2,000 public comments submitted.
The plan faces widespread opposition from local governmental and community groups, including the Houston City Council, Willow Area Community Organization, and Meadow Lakes Community Council, all of whom voted unanimously against the transfer, citing concerns about transparency, loss of recreation land, and lack of utilities. Furthermore, a nonpartisan attorney's memo for the state Legislature questions the legality of the no-cost land transfer under Alaska law if a public purpose cannot be continuously ensured. The Senate Resources Committee also raised concerns about vague premises and DNR's due diligence regarding the proposal.