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Wasilla reports surge in business activity; airport expansion and infrastructure funding highlighted
Summary
Deputy Administrator Nygaard updated the commission on economic development activity: 2,838 business licenses tracked, major airport projects advancing with federal appropriations pending, and multiple private developments in pre‑application stages.
Deputy Administrator Nygaard told the Planning Commission on Jan. 28 that city development and economic activity are increasing and that several infrastructure projects are advancing.
Nygaard reported the city is tracking 2,838 businesses (including temporary licenses tied to events) and that staff continue monthly infrastructure tours for potential investors and developers. “The phone is ringing, the computer is lighting up with permits,” Nygaard said, summarizing the department’s workload.
Airport and water interconnect funding
- Wasilla Airport runway: The runway expansion design would extend the runway to 5,100 feet; the master-plan Phase 1 is complete and Phase 2 is about 50% complete. An open house on Feb. 11 will solicit public feedback.
- Federal appropriations: The city received a $3,000,000 appropriation from Senator Murkowski for the airport expansion that had not yet been finalized in the federal budget at the time of the meeting; Nygaard said the appropriation could be kept or cut by a March 1 deadline.
- Wasilla–Palmer interconnect: The interconnection between the city’s two water systems is in design at about 65% and has appropriations of $1,900,000 from Murkowski plus $2,000,000 from Senator Wilson and Representative Tilton.
Local development activity
Nygaard said a large hotel development is expected to submit plans March 1 that would include two new hotels; other projects include a clinic expansion, retail spaces (approximately 30,000 square feet), and multiple residential duplex/multiplex permits. She also reported a new DC‑3 operator would begin tourism flights in spring.
Other items
- The city hired a planning clerk whose first day is Feb. 11 and flagged that the city contracted vendors to update social media policies and overhaul the city website, expected by July 1.
- The city submitted a $750,000 FEMA grant application for a power project at a 90-degree turn on Clap Road (the “donut hole”) that remains under review.
Ending
Nygaard invited commissioners to outreach events and an open house on Feb. 11 and encouraged commissioners to use the city’s economic-development webpage for more information.
