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Assembly approves design funding and ballot placement for Basher Trailhead parking after neighborhood backing; construction estimates debated
Summary
The Assembly approved a Chugach-area CASA proposition that would fund Basher Trailhead improvements if voters agree. Community councils backed the expansion; members debated whether to seek full construction funding or first approve design work.
The Anchorage Assembly voted Jan. 21 to place a CASA (Chugach-area service-area) proposition on the April 1 ballot for an expanded Basher Road Trailhead parking lot, a project supporters say will improve safety and access to Chugach State Park for East Anchorage residents.
Why it matters: Basher Trailhead is a popular access point for Chugach hiking, ski and bike trails; neighbors and trail users testified that overflow parking along Basher Road creates hazardous conditions. Supporters argued a modest municipal parking lot will reduce roadside congestion, improve sight lines and distribute visitor pressure across park entry points.
Community support and testimony - The Basher Community Council and other neighborhood representatives told the Assembly they have discussed the issue for years and passed motions backing a municipal overflow lot. Basher council testimony recounted prior planning and a 2024 state-design grant that was vetoed by the governor. - Residents described full lots on weekends, cars parking on the street and frequent pedestrian crossings in narrow sections. Glen Alps and Basher-area leaders said the lot would serve both Chugach and Bicentennial park users.
Cost, design and what the ordinance does The assembly considered two dollar approaches during the meeting. Administration staff and city public-works advisers recommended a two-step approach: fund a design and engineering package first so the city can produce a bid-ready plan and accurate construction estimate before selling bonds for construction.
Sponsors and several council members urged placing a larger construction amount on the ballot now. After an amendment and discussion, the Assembly adopted a version that: - Places the Basher Trailhead project and related CASA items on the April 1 ballot. - Approves $300,000 for design as the initial step and adds an assembly intent statement directing staff to include construction funding in the 2026 CIP after design is complete. The main ordinance passed 11–0.
Debate highlights Assembly members repeatedly said they want the project to move forward but differed on whether the ballot should include only design funding or both design and construction estimates. Supporters stressed urgency and the project’s long history in community plans; others said a full engineering design is needed to set a reliable construction budget and avoid returning to voters with a shortfall.
Quote "This will alleviate the problems by expanding the lot and relocating the entrance," said Bruce Talbot, acting chair of the Glen Alps Road Service Area Board, describing the safety hazards caused by roadside parking.
Next steps If voters approve the CASA proposition on April 1, the administration will use the design funding to produce bid-ready documents, then return to the Assembly or the ballot as required to fund construction. Assembly members also discussed other short-term options, such as exploring state partnerships, MOUs with state parks for management and electronic-fee maintenance arrangements used elsewhere in Alaska.
Ending The Basher Trailhead measure will join the April 1 ballot items; design work can begin if voters approve the ordinance. The Assembly added language signaling its intent to fund construction in the out-year CIP after the design phase.
