Wasilla Airport Advisory Commission backs resolution to extend 3-phase power to airport area

The Wasilla Airport Advisory Commission on Jan. 16 unanimously approved Resolution 25-01 asking the mayor and city council to support installation of three-phase electric power in the area surrounding Wasilla Airport.

The resolution, read aloud to the commission by a staff member, said the Wasilla Airport "is a vital economic engine for the region" and described the area around the airport — commonly referred to in the discussion as the "donut hole" — as lacking adequate three-phase power needed to support existing and future airport development. The commission voted by roll call; commissioners recorded "yay" votes and the measure passed.

The resolution asks the city to "strongly support the installation of 3 phase power in the area surrounding the Wasilla Airport" and urges utility providers and relevant authorities to prioritize the upgrade. The text also stated the upgrade would improve system redundancy, attract businesses and support operations that rely on higher-power equipment.

Commissioners discussed that a prior, partial three-phase feed now ends at the edge of the airport and that connecting the circuit in a loop would add resiliency. A staff speaker said Matanuska Electric Association and FEMA have been engaged previously but that FEMA shelving of the application and funding uncertainty have stalled the project. The resolution is intended to give the council a formal document to present to potential funding partners and regulatory agencies, including MEA and federal resilience programs.

The commission’s motion to approve was moved and seconded during the meeting; roll-call votes recorded Kevin McCabe, Aaron McCarty, Austin Bulla and Michael Lucas voting "yay." The resolution will be forwarded to the Wasilla City Council for consideration and possible amendment before any council-level action.

Commission members and staff said they hope the council-backed resolution will bolster future grant applications and political support for the work.

Planning and next steps mentioned at the meeting include staff coordination with the city clerk to place a council-level support resolution on a future council agenda and outreach to utility and state/federal agencies to identify funding opportunities.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 25-01 — vote recorded as 4 yes, 0 no, outcome: approved; mover/second: not specified in the transcript.

Ending: The approved resolution will be carried to the city council; staff indicated they will refine language and identify agencies and funding programs to which the council could present the request.