Fairbanks borough mayor said Eielson land solicitations were open in July, minutes show

Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins told the borough's Economic Development Commission on July 28 that requests for quotations were open for commercial use of Eielson Air Force Base properties, according to draft minutes the commission is scheduled to approve Tuesday. Hopkins chairs the commission. The minutes do not name the solicitation.

The closest match in the federal record is the Air Force's mixed-use Enhanced Use Lease, which leases underused base land not needed for active missions to a private developer for commercial projects. The Air Force opened bidding in July. Its industry day announcement identified four Eielson sites totaling 3,967 acres, with proposals due Aug. 10. The minutes do not confirm Hopkins meant that opportunity, and its bidding window has since closed.

Hopkins' July report also covered housing incentives. The borough's housing tax incentive ordinance cites expanded missions at Eielson and Fort Wainwright.

Tuesday's agenda includes another chair report from Hopkins but no separate Eielson item. It does not say whether bids arrived or a lease was awarded. The commission is also set to hear from the UAF College of Business and Security Management on local workforce needs.