The Alaska Snowmachine Alliance (ASA) and the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC)
are committed to keeping Alaskans informed about issues that could permanently affect
public access, recreation, and our trail systems.
The State of Alaska, through a preliminary decision issued by the Alaska Department
of Natural Resources (DNR), is considering the conveyance of approximately 19,950
acres of State land near Houston and Zero Lake to the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). According to the proposal, the property
could be be developed as a multi-use industrial and energy development district,
including potential data centers, energy and utility facilities, advanced
manufacturing, logistics operations, and gravel resources. The proposal has
generated significant public interest because it involves lands with important
recreational value and established public access.
Source: Dunleavy Administration Backs 20,000-Acre Giveaway to AIDEA
https://www.dermotcole.com/reportingfromalaska/2026/7/13/khxwch2o4tgrjxuwycm8kmj
zjtp69q
The proposed conveyance includes an area with established trails and long-standing
historic public access used by snowmachiners, ATV and off-road riders, hunters,
trappers, anglers, hikers, campers, cabin owners, berry pickers, and other
outdoor enthusiasts.
The (ASA) and (AOC) are sharing the publicly available information below because this
proposal could affect public access, trail systems, RS 2477 rights-of-way, and 17(b)
easements. Source documents are provided throughout so you can review the
information for yourself.
Also being considered is The U.S. Department of Energy selected the Terra Energy Center project for $89 million in federal funding, supported by an additional $101.4 million in non-federal funding, for a current project value of approximately $190.4 million. The Alaska project
was also announced as part of a broader $700 million national energy initiative.
Sources:
New Coal Plant to be Built in Alaska as Part of $700M Trump Investment
U.S. Department of Energy – Project Selections
During a public Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) Board meeting, Matanuska Electric
Association (MEA) disclosed that it had entered into a non-binding power purchase
term sheet with Terra Energy and that the parties were operating under a confidentiality
agreement while discussions continued.
Source: Alaska Energy Authority Board Meeting Minutes
Public planning documents also discuss future electrical generation and transmission
needed to serve the growing demands of the Mat-Su Valley, including large industrial
users, data centers, military installations, and critical mineral development.
Taken together, these publicly available records illustrate the scale of planning and
investment being discussed for the Mat-Su Valley. As the public comment process
moves forward, Alaskans who value public lands and trail systems may wish to
encourage the State to ensure that RS 2477 rights-of-way, 17(b) easements, existing
and historic trail corridors, and public recreational access are protected as part of
any final conveyance.
Public comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2026.
Comments may be submitted through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) using the official public notice.
Official DNR Public Notice: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=224431
The Alaska Snowmachine Alliance (ASA) and the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) will
continue reviewing the public record and sharing updates as additional information
becomes available. We encourage everyone to review the available information, stay
informed, and participate in the public comment process.
Michele Stevens
President Alaska Snowmachine Alliance and Vice President South Central Alaska
Outdoor Council