[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6556294,"mediaKeyId","3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26","parentId",3311285,"title","Assembly considers capital appropriations for Coby Road repairs, transfer‑station improvements and brush dropoff upgrades","audioSeconds",242,"startMs",4992000,"endMs",5234000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26&start=4992&end=5234","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26/thumbnail_4992000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6556294/Denali-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-considers-capital-appropriations-for-Coby-Road-repairs-transferstation-improvements-and-brush-dropoff-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556294-4fe6e56da52e5dac8be07e4399cf8413/orig.mp4?Expires=1773626996&Signature=BRwpuHm7vZCGf6RPCJJBwXhEzDykNlbI2DFOXQDihk-HQU9EtticMPssTAxpwibloQcT48~5qcrsaoJuO-TEPkXG9id-JhSb1KQLpwW~9aWLzL~b5MAAbdcIoW9X8baTMd0aNEm8aPAW3kRyaNkrl4PEXLFgdCSfI~wlZg5o1VjrISdGfRKB7SGmt2ygU64Ad0z8fYjnSYF2ApX3xQTkQF44aNchrqY80QmznXqe0xhOOK1LbLPN9PQRMOfMWOIuvFNck96UtZQWTsD~vMutaorck1oDgsKYK~4A7ogTTqXcWaKXINVSu5aN5hkOE7nBxZF3su6Y8j9DFANI2abSiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Denali Borough","date","2025-05-15T17:18:27Z","article","Assembly members considered several capital projects during the May 14 meeting, including road repairs on Coby Road, transfer‑station facility improvements and brush‑drop area upgrades. Staff described scope, available funding and procurement timelines and the assembly introduced or postponed related ordinances for later action.

Community members and staff described Coby Road conditions and the borough’s intention to use a combination of Homeland Security and Emergency Management grant funds and borough capital to complete three road segments. Administrative staff said the town received a partial award from the state and that the borough’s proposed appropriation (up to $60,000) would be used either to cover cost overages from rising prices or to pay for additive alternates not covered by the state grant, such as geotextile underlayments.

The assembly introduced Ordinance 25‑07, appropriating up to $60,000 from the capital improvement fund for Coby Road repairs and opened discussion about project timing; staff said invitations to bid would be issued this summer and that final award would follow formal appropriation at a future meeting or through the awarding process consistent with procurement rules.

The assembly also introduced Ordinance 25‑08, an appropriation of up to $60,000 for transfer‑station facility and brush drop‑off improvements (concrete pads under dumpsters, graded brush‑drop area, and coordination with the native village and DOT where surface rights overlap). That ordinance was briefly discussed and then postponed to a later meeting.

Public commenters urged use of structural gravel and larger‑screen material for long‑term road durability. Staff said project designs account for ditching and drainage and that available funding will be combined across grants and borough CIP to achieve the largest feasible scope. No final construction contracts were awarded at the May 14 meeting; staff will return with bid results and formal appropriation requests as contracts are ready to award.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 14, 2025 Assembly Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The assembly discussed and introduced ordinances to appropriate capital funds for road repairs on Coby Road, transfer‑station/brush‑drop improvements and other small facility projects; staff said the projects would draw from the capital improvement fund while seeking state grant matches where available.","taxTitle","Denali Borough, Alaska","taxId",13632,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556299,"Borough seeks federal and Denali Commission match funds for separated pathways; Antler Ridge cooperative agreement updated",467,4019000,4486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26&start=4019&end=4486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26/thumbnail_4019000.jpg","/articles/6556299/Denali-Borough/Alaska/Borough-seeks-federal-and-Denali-Commission-match-funds-for-separated-pathways-Antler-Ridge-cooperative-agreement-updated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556299-f181f0759642f4a0722f2e83c6eae8ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1773626996&Signature=TNUBwF2~hCLaW1UPsxqPSHPoYefkLKFD6esgU3RY20cuaoZVCkzWvuiB6D3HHYmktxUmYUwC2KBYHF~VFyH0FLS4sXR2OM6tSkezw70Hm9GcVJkQYymmmWIg35IQyde6z8eLH-VzRZKZctE1IbbGVbCxXlNdpz-DA7ANYTrdxjOdRoWL3Pt-p8Aagoi-Crs-CyTdhB7hqsU8yZg0dtMVVN56HYNqL0345hMo-XbkYju1AUSukerNmWWp9B-2K8E9M~YvPSUcql0f0zSBvbEeWmSbHi2ttqFASPdFzQMW3A4ktLCAMxydLvhkv0xm~P1VPQ7VdEb8kDrlI-siF5TaVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Community development staff told the Denali Borough Assembly on May 14 that multiple transportation and land‑use planning efforts are advancing, including a cooperative agreement for Antler Ridge site design, subdivision outreach and a potential separated‑pathway construction grant.

Community Development Director Stephanie Ford said the borough has an updated cooperative agreement between Federal Highways and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for Antler Ridge site design. She said staff are refining the Antler Ridge design to remove a connector trail segment and to avoid installing bear‑attracting trash receptacles where staffing for regular collection is not available. Ford said construction is less likely this summer but contracting and engineering work is continuing.

Ford reported that public outreach for two subdivision efforts — the Yannert subdivision and the Stampede subdivision — has concluded or is still open by survey (the Stampede online survey remained open until June 1) and that staff met with Fairbanks North Star Borough planners to compare practices.

On transportation, Ford said the borough applied to the Denali Commission for a surface‑transportation match gap and was awarded $300,000 as seed money. That seed can be combined with a federal Safe Streets for All (Vision Zero) grant application and other match funds to seek construction money for separated pathways in Healy, including bridges over Dry Creek and Dry Creek overflow. She said the construction scale will depend on match availability and that full construction from Suntrana Road to Stampede/Lester Road could cost roughly $5 million (example figure cited by staff), requiring a $1 million match if pursued at that scale.

Ford said the borough plans to work with the Alaska Municipal League and state DOT grant managers to assemble a competitive application that pairs the $300,000 Denali Commission award with other sources of match. She also noted a pending Denali Commission award agreement under negotiation and that staff are coordinating with state DOT for potential state match assistance on right‑of‑way and project delivery.

Ford closed with community events and partner updates and invited assembly members to ask questions about project scope and grant partnerships. The assembly did not take formal funding action on the separated‑pathway construction at the May 14 meeting; staff said they will return with a grant application and award agreement for formal acceptance and appropriation if and when federal or construction grants are awarded.","Community development staff reported progress on the Antler Ridge cooperative agreement, closed public outreach for two subdivision open houses, and said the borough received a $300,000 Denali Commission award to seed a larger separated‑pathway grant application.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556302,"Denali Regional group outlines plan for local clinic; assembly introduces health‑provider assistance program",5031,2122000,7153000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26&start=2122&end=7153","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26/thumbnail_2122000.jpg","/articles/6556302/Denali-Borough/Alaska/Denali-Regional-group-outlines-plan-for-local-clinic-assembly-introduces-healthprovider-assistance-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556302-d6b153e589ec2d8714ac3119e41e3560/orig.mp4?Expires=1773626996&Signature=KN35MuD7Y~wC4j1r3lx8c-TGjLwPzrCA6pHiA2IDdH6cfbpm9gEoo0LoTHh8tANUkbYbeZhlTKliHXNpf8jzc2GdPxyqyjpPtUmoCc5LAv-259GQwDJJeIqB2hpZG8uiMKOjqbnVhGdKSb5HneeBIxJfqSJD2BpzQO4jRoBUrW308g9GMXSJgLjoZpe5hC0eVJWJRDe8TecMRA5RXlJUBf5XEAlJGVBF-ecp45mCk1gs0Rc~993UoMZB~2FWA1mx0COKqatu7vVpT9amlzIzGjXn6Mc~Hr~3FDwma94vJMlGjjzRlHKJebiJaTr9UVqjTH1apyG5SydORTo5qhJkFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of a local health‑care working group and borough partners told the Denali Borough Assembly on May 14 they are pursuing several parallel approaches to expand primary‑care access in the borough: (1) pursue partnerships with existing regional providers, (2) seek a satellite clinic from an employer/provider network, and (3) create a locally owned clinic. The group is preparing documents needed for a nonprofit clinic application and developing three‑year budgets for staffing, insurance and operations.

Vanessa (full name not provided), speaking in a partner report, said the group has identified core service priorities — consistent primary care, prenatal care and basic urgent care (suturing, x‑ray access, basic diagnostics) — and is collecting budgets and a three‑month operating cushion that would be needed while billing and insurance revenue begins to arrive. She said initial operating expenses (largely wages and insurance) were estimated at about $500,000 a year and that the most urgent near‑term need is roughly three months of start‑up operating cash to bridge the gap until revenues begin.

“Part of the application process for the IRS is they like you to have a three‑year outline,” Vanessa told the assembly. She said the working group is considering issuing an RFP for a provider to staff a locally owned facility and is looking at an identified building behind the First National Bank (DR LAN Enterprises property) as a possible location.

The assembly also introduced Ordinance 25‑05, a healthcare provider assistance program proposed to seed provider recruitment or small provider startups. Sponsor remarks described the proposed fund as an initial $200,000 pool sourced from current fiscal‑year surplus; the ordinance as introduced would allow the borough to make low‑interest loans to individuals or small businesses that commit to provide health‑care services in the borough. The draft ordinance sets flexible terms: no required payment in the first year, scheduled payments in years two through five, and a possible application to the assembly for partial forbearance of remaining principal after five years.

Assembly members asked about administrative workload, risk and underwriting. Staff said they had not completed a full administrative‑cost analysis but noted the FY2026 budget includes funding for additional part‑time administrative capacity and that the borough could partner with local banks on underwriting and servicing.

The ordinance was introduced by motion and a roll‑call introduction was completed; the assembly directed staff to prepare materials for a work session to refine application criteria (for example: business plan, credit and background checks, performance benchmarks tied to service delivery) and to invite members of the health‑care working group to that work session. No final appropriations were approved at the May 14 meeting; introduction placed the ordinance on a future agenda for detailed review.","A community working group described plans to create a locally operated clinic in Healy and asked for short‑term funding; the assembly introduced an ordinance to create a healthcare provider assistance loan program and set a $200,000 initial fund.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6556307,"Princess Cruises representative tells Denali Borough assembly lines investing in Alaska; highlights recycling and shore‑power work",584,241000,825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26&start=241&end=825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3311285-1e08945baf8f2fc71ece4596e1e9be26/thumbnail_241000.jpg","/articles/6556307/Denali-Borough/Alaska/Princess-Cruises-representative-tells-Denali-Borough-assembly-lines-investing-in-Alaska-highlights-recycling-and-shorepower-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6556307-1465d453fd05e985595fe89aa816d2a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773626996&Signature=U7riKo1GGoeDDVQe2xl4LSgQmwj3RM0x90zXe7VfVTXojeruUojkrqtUpyiGRQ-PzThqA10E6u2mI5vblCyICt4OFixYIkIXba6JT7fProVzCyBCV7Y3DOeP8vavidp2uYh0vKTedQW37d6baJVrXpbTwxx14pDhZYDIvx7x3odjbzfmCtkuAxLC4XnkaomhmLvpXIUFRcIX-MpQ4IRzPtaqg~7Z5VKQggxADRoudejOeyVIwCopntTdppWPr12vg8ryNIXQMQICm3m40M7NrO-F9jSZpjakXjsOkFnF8~RzPYoDkOMtoErjLAnboZIb454mPJleTNuLn1J1uf1qLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ralph Samuels, a representative for Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, told the Denali Borough Assembly on May 14 that large cruise lines are continuing to invest in Alaska ports and shore‑side infrastructure and that those investments underpin continued visitation to Denali-area tourism services. Samuels said lines are expanding capacity, investing in shore power and funding dock projects in Whittier, Seward and Juneau that signal long‑term confidence in the Alaska market.

“Ships are full,” Samuels told the assembly, describing strong demand and the overall mechanics of the Alaska cruise market. He said Princess will add a fourth ship crossing the Gulf in 2026, and Holland America and other lines are spending tens of millions of dollars on onshore lodging and dock improvements. Samuels said some recent port projects have been backed by specific cruise lines, for example noting Royal Caribbean’s involvement in rail‑belt dock plans and private investment backing for docks in Whittier and Juneau.

Samuels outlined environmental and operational trends. He said shipbuilders are introducing more efficient vessels — including LNG‑powered ships — and cruise lines are investing in biofuel and other emissions‑reducing technologies. He described shore‑power installations planned or under development and said shore power requires large amounts of electricity: “It’s gonna be a pretty big number. 10 megawatts,” he said when asked about the electrical load needed to plug in a large ship.

Samuels also described a local recycling and food‑waste diversion program run at the Denali Princess Lodge and on ships. He credited Bonnie Westland, a lodge general manager, with building a recycling program that he said keeps more than 1 million pounds of materials out of local landfills — “most of that from Denali” — and cited a food‑waste digester that has diverted about 65,000 pounds of food waste. He invited assembly members and community groups to tour the lodge facilities and ship systems to view recycling and wastewater processes.

On community relations and capacity issues in Southeast Alaska, Samuels warned that ballot initiatives in some Southeast towns to limit cruise ship calls could affect routes, though he said a recent initiative failed and he expects similar measures in places such as Sitka will likely fail. He described industry efforts to limit peak crowding in ports — for example, a Juneau memorandum of understanding limiting ships at specific docks — and said the industry supports building additional dock capacity so visitors spend more time ashore, which benefits local businesses.

Assembly members asked about hiring and seasonality; Samuels said ships and hospitality employers have generally been able to staff for the coming season, though he noted labor challenges that are common in seasonal tourism. He also discussed how environmental rules that might require reductions in per‑ship carbon output could push lines to slow speeds or change port calls, a development he said would be driven by international regulatory bodies rather than local authorities.

The presentation concluded with Samuels and assembly members discussing potential site visits and operational tours of lodge and ship facilities for local officials.

The assembly did not take formal action on the presentation; it was provided as a partner report and informational update.","A Princess Cruises/Holland America representative briefed the Denali Borough Assembly on cruise industry investments in Alaska, recycling and food‑waste programs, shore‑power plans and local hiring trends, saying those trends support continued visitation to Denali-area tourism services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly considers capital appropriations for Coby Road repairs, transfer‑station improvements and brush dropoff upgrades

Borough seeks federal and Denali Commission match funds for separated pathways; Antler Ridge cooperative agreement updated

Denali Regional group outlines plan for local clinic; assembly introduces health‑provider assistance program

Princess Cruises representative tells Denali Borough assembly lines investing in Alaska; highlights recycling and shore‑power work