Bethel weighs $5,200 for Ptarmigan Road culvert rights-of-way

The City of Bethel would pay $5,200 for two strips of land along Ptarmigan Road under an ordinance set for introduction Tuesday. The measure formalizes rights-of-way for a culvert project the city says is already built. According to the ordinance, the city has completed the Ptarmigan Road Culvert project and reached agreements with both landowners. The acquisition would secure the legal right-of-way underlying that finished work and the culvert's ongoing placement and maintenance.

The ordinance authorizes acquiring a right-of-way of about 4,451 square feet from the heirs of Lena Phillip for $3,100. It also authorizes acquiring about 3,484 square feet from Kayana Joy Swope for $2,100. Both parcels sit in Phillip Addition #2 Subdivision in the Bethel Recording District. Because of the land's status, both acquisitions run through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The ordinance describes the purpose as placement and maintenance of drainage culvert "to mitigate the risk of flooding, improve creek conveyance, and improve anadromous fish passage." City Manager Lori Strickler is listed as sponsoring the measure.

The culvert work dates to at least 2025, when the city solicited bids for Ptarmigan Street culvert crossings and closed sections of the street to through traffic. A western work area closed from July 20 to Aug. 24. An eastern one closed from Aug. 25 to Sept. 30.

Flooding remains a concern in the community. Alaska News previously reported that the Kuskokwim River rose above minor flood stage at Bethel this month, when the National Weather Service warned of water backing up along Brown Slough and into low-lying areas. Minor flood stage at the Bethel gauge is 8.5 feet.

The measure was placed on the consent agenda for introduction. The public hearing, when residents can testify, follows Oct. 13.