Comment deadline on AIDEA's 19,950-acre Houston land request is Sept. 14, and four actions need separate comments

Written comments on the proposed conveyance of about 19,950 acres near Houston to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority are due by 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14. Only timely commenters may request reconsideration of a plan adopted by the commissioner.

Separate comments are required for each of four actions: the preliminary decision, a plan amendment, a land classification order and a mineral order.

Comment on case file ADL 234762 opened July 10. The state extended an earlier Aug. 19 deadline. The preliminary decision would convey the Matanuska-Susitna Borough parcel, more than 7,000 acres of it wetlands, to AIDEA at no cost and waive the state's reversionary interest.

AIDEA says the land would support an industrial and energy district. The Northern Alaska Environmental Center, citing more than 2,000 comments, says the transfer would cost habitat, trails, recreation and public access.

Residents can comment through DNR's online portal, by email to [email protected], by fax to 907-269-8916, or by postal mail. Submissions are public record under state law. Questions can go to Daniel Jenkins at 907-269-8609.