State seeks public input on gravel extraction site near Cantwell

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities wants to designate a 159-acre gravel extraction site along the Denali Highway and purchase 100,000 cubic yards of material for road maintenance. The public has until May 29 to comment on the proposal.

The site sits at milepost 79 of the Denali Highway, about 47 miles southeast of Cantwell. DOT&PF plans to extract gravel from the location through 2030 at the state's public and charitable rate, which offers discounted pricing for government projects.

The Division of Mining, Land and Water is seeking information about potential impacts from the extraction work. Officials want to know about any land use conflicts or environmental concerns that should be addressed before approving the designation and sale.

The designation would allow the state to use the site indefinitely for gravel extraction. The initial material sale would run for five years.

Written comments must reach the South Central Regional Land Office by 11:59 p.m. on May 29. Send comments to 550 7th Avenue, Suite 900C, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, or email [email protected]. Questions can be directed to Naelene Matsumiya at 907-269-8555.

Application documents are available through the state's online public notice system. After reviewing public comments, the division may approve the designation with operating and reclamation requirements.