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Assembly hears TIP update; staff warns right‑of‑way acquisition can take 18–24 months and may require eminent domain

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly · January 7, 2026

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Summary

Public Works Director Tom Adams briefed the Assembly on transportation TIP packages and right‑of‑way acquisition processes. Staff said many projects are in early phases, NEPA and matching funds affect timing, and complex right‑of‑way work — including possible condemnation — can add 18–24 months to project schedules.

Tom Adams, public works director, summarized the borough’s transportation improvement program (TIP) packages and provided a detailed overview of right‑of‑way acquisition on Jan. 6.

Adams described three active TIP packages (TIP 21, TIP 23 and TIP 24), and explained that projects progress through planning, preliminary engineering, design, right‑of‑way acquisition, and construction. He said some projects in older TIPs remain in early phases because of complexity, funding matches and the need to define alignments and acquire parcels. Adams emphasized that right‑of‑way acquisition can be time‑consuming, listing appraisals, title searches, negotiations and, in some cases, condemnation as potential steps. He estimated complex right‑of‑way processes can take roughly 18–24 months after right‑of‑way maps are available and noted the borough may consider acquisition incentives to accelerate negotiations.

Assembly members asked about how projects move between TIP packages and whether funding has been reallocated; staff said some projects have been federalized (moved to federal programs) to leverage federal funds and preserve borough funds for other work. The Safe Streets for All $12 million award was cited as an example of recent federal funding that will help several pathway projects. Members also discussed specific projects such as Palmer Fishhook and Engstrom/Angstrom trunk connections and asked how to coordinate small scope changes on state‑led federal projects.

Adams said staff will bring legislative items and rights‑of‑way contract requests to the Assembly in upcoming packets and invited members to engage with staff on project details and milestones.