Kenai Council approves $200,000 quick‑claim deed to secure Wildwood Drive right‑of‑way
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Summary
The Kenai City Council on Dec. 3 approved Resolution 2025‑67 to buy the Wildwood Drive right‑of‑way from the Kenai Native Association for $200,000 without obtaining a fresh appraisal, a step city leaders said is necessary to allow state DOT paving coordination next summer.
The Kenai City Council voted Dec. 3 to authorize a quick‑claim deed to acquire the Wildwood Drive right‑of‑way from the Kenai Native Association for $200,000, clearing a major procedural hurdle for planned road rehabilitation.
City Manager Terry Eubank told the council the city has maintained Wildwood Drive for decades but does not own the right‑of‑way, which was deeded to the Kenai Native Association under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). DOT traffic counters showed roughly 80% of the road’s traffic serves the state Wildwood Correctional Facility, Eubank said, and the state is coordinating to include Wildwood paving with a planned Spur Highway Phase 2 project. The resolution waives a new appraisal and authorizes execution of the deed so the city can meet DOT timing if the state contractor proceeds next summer.
Council member Sonar moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed by unanimous consent. Eubank said the city earlier had an appraisal from about 2011 estimating the value at $395,000 but that the administration does not believe a new appraisal will change the immediate need to secure the right‑of‑way.
Council members asked whether the city might choose to perform a larger reconstruction versus mill-and‑repave; staff said the original full‑reconstruction estimate exceeded $1.1 million and that the state’s involvement could change scope and cost‑sharing. Council members also requested a clear exhibit (map/drawing) to accompany the quick‑claim deed that matches the legal metes‑and‑bounds language; the administration said a map and a planner‑prepared exhibit will be provided for recording.
Because the right‑of‑way also includes roadway sections that extend to Cook Inlet Drive and the bluff area, the council emphasized that securing title now preserves the city’s ability to complete work in the future even if DOT schedules change.
The resolution was adopted by unanimous consent. The city manager said the $200,000 is available in the project fund for Wildwood Drive and that negotiations with the Kenai Native Association were advanced prior to the council action.
