State seeks public comment on McCarthy business encroachment permit

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is accepting public comments through May 18 on a proposed encroachment permit for McCarthy Ventures, LLC, to use a 1,043-square-foot section of the Kennicott Avenue right-of-way in McCarthy.

The company, which owns two adjacent lots in McCarthy Township, applied to use the area along the north side of the road. The state would charge the business $100 per year for the permit.

McCarthy is a small community in the Wrangell-St. Elias region, accessible only by foot or air. Kennicott Avenue is the main road through town.

The department will review all comments submitted by 4:30 p.m. on May 18. Written comments can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Right of Way Section, Attn: Laura Back, 2301 Peger Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-5399.

The proposal file is available for public inspection from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the department's Right of Way Section office at 2720 Picket Place in Fairbanks.

Encroachment permits allow private use of public right-of-way and are regulated under Alaska Statutes 19.05.010 through 19.05.020.

People with disabilities who need special accommodations to participate should contact Laura Back at least 48 hours in advance at 907-451-5462.