Assembly transfers nine riverfront parcels to state for erosion control

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly voted Tuesday to transfer nine borough-owned parcels along the Matanuska River to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for erosion control.

The parcels sit between Maud Road and the Oakland Highway Bridge near Palmer. The state will fold them into the highway right-of-way. The transfer lets the department build erosion protection faster and respond to future threats before the river reaches the highway.

The borough bought the properties through federal hazard mitigation buyout programs after homes faced river erosion. Borough staff said the borough cannot legally build erosion control structures on borough land outside the state highway right-of-way.

James Sarawine, a department right-of-way representative, said the transfer will let the state armor portions of the riverbank before erosion reaches the highway. He thanked the assembly and praised borough staff.

Assembly Member Michael Bowles, a Republican representing District 2, said the transfer helps residents along the Old Glenn Highway. He credited Borough Manager Mike Brown and Mayor Edna DeVries for pursuing the initiative after a meeting with state legislators about flooding in the area.

Assembly Member Bill Gamble, a Republican representing District 4, said he has watched the riverbank erode rapidly. "This should have been done a long time ago, and it is absolutely a no-brainer," Gamble said.

Brown said the borough stood by during past flooding events with no authority to respond. During one incident, Matanuska Electric Association had to stage teams and pay to secure two transmission poles serving the Butte and Knik River communities until the water subsided. The borough had no legal standing to act.

The assembly approved Ordinance 26-050 with no objection. The ordinance authorizes a less-than-fair-market-value sale. The borough will transfer the properties to the state for no value because they serve a public benefit.

Three privately owned parcels in the area were considered for buyouts in past years. The owners chose not to sell, Brown said.

The state will now proceed with erosion control planning and construction on the transferred parcels.