Residents Demand Accountability for $75M Road Bond in Wasilla Assembly Meeting

Concerns over road funding and infrastructure took center stage at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly meeting on August 5, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations about local taxation and road maintenance.

Community member Colleen Vague highlighted the pressing issue of potholes and inadequate infrastructure, emphasizing that voters had previously approved a $75 million bond for road improvements. "We, the People, voted for that and expect you to find it somewhere," she stated, urging the assembly to explore various tax options, including a gas tax, to fund necessary road repairs. Vague suggested that any tax collected should be specifically allocated for road maintenance, advocating for a change in state statutes to allow local authorities more control over tax revenues.

Ken McCarty also addressed the assembly, proposing the annexation of the Chugachika River area into the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. He argued that this move could bring in an estimated $40 million annually, which could significantly aid local infrastructure projects. McCarty expressed the importance of community engagement in this process, stating, "If Mat-Su's not interested in this, it ends."

The assembly's discussions reflect a growing concern among residents about the management of public funds and the need for improved infrastructure to support the area's rapid growth. As the assembly considers these proposals, the community remains eager for solutions that prioritize road safety and development.