Wasilla council to vote Aug. 10 on nominating four transportation projects for federal funding

A $5.25 million project to replace the only route in and out for more than 70 residential properties on the north shore of Lucille Lake goes before the Wasilla City Council on Monday, Aug. 10.

The council meets at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Wasilla City Hall, 290 E. Herning Ave. Members are scheduled to vote on a resolution nominating four city transportation projects, valued at $14.78 million in 2026 dollars, to the first Transportation Improvement Program built by MatSu Valley Planning for Transportation. The resolution also commits Wasilla to the required 9.03% non-federal share, estimated at $1.33 million if every project is selected. The nominations are subject to project eligibility, funding availability and MVP's project selection process, the resolution states.

The Lucille Lake North Shore Access Improvement Project would eliminate the Snyder Railroad Crossing, the neighborhood's sole vehicular link across the Alaska Railroad corridor to the Parks Highway. It carries an estimated $470,000 local match. According to the resolution's project narrative, the tracks sit roughly five feet above the highway, creating steep approaches, winter snow drifting and a short merge before the Weber Drive channelization island. The crossing is also the only route for fire, medical and law enforcement responders. The city would study connections to Hallea Lane or Railroad Avenue instead.

The other three nominees close different gaps in the city's network. The Nelson Avenue multimodal pathway is estimated at $1.26 million with a $110,000 local match. The Elkhorn Drive sidewalk to Lucille Street is estimated at $1.74 million with a $160,000 local match. Each would close a gap in the pedestrian network. The fourth, a $6.53 million connection from S. Seward Meridian Parkway to E. Sun Mountain Avenue with a $590,000 local match, would redirect local traffic away from Whispering Woods Drive and add pedestrian access.

MVP formed as a nonprofit in February 2024 and is Alaska's third metropolitan planning organization. It expects about $10 million in federal planning and capital funds annually beginning in fiscal 2027. Mayor Glenda D. Ledford sits on its policy board, and Public Works Director Erich Schaal serves on its technical committee.

The resolution appropriates nothing. Match money would require separate council budget action.

MVP plans a 30-day public comment period on the draft program in November, before adoption in December.