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Alaska DOT granted conditional‑use permits for riprap and MSE wall near Bishop Creek and Snow River
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Summary
The planning commission unanimously adopted two conditional‑use permits requested by the Alaska Department of Transportation to place riprap at a Bishop Creek culvert and to build an MSE wall and riprap outfall at a Snow River culvert; staff recommended both permits and limited public notice was sent.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission on Jan. 26 unanimously approved two conditional‑use permits sought by the Alaska Department of Transportation for bank stabilization work near two culvert outfalls.
Planner Morgan Aldridge told the commission the first request (PC Resolution 2026‑09) covers installation of about 75 cubic yards of riprap at the inlet and outlet of an existing culvert on Bishop Creek in the Nikiski area along the Kenai Spur Highway. Aldridge said the culvert meets Alaska Department of Fish and Game fish‑passage standards but is becoming unstable because of scour; the riprap is intended to stabilize the structure. Public notice was sent to seven property owners and the Nikiski Area Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
The second request (PC Resolution 2025‑35) would permit construction of an MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) retaining wall and placement of roughly 177 cubic yards of riprap at the outfall of a culvert that drains a non‑anadromous stream but discharges within 50 feet of the Snow River (Primrose area, along the Seward Highway). Aldridge said the MSE wall would use about 138 cubic yards of native excavated material within the setback. Public notice for this project was sent to two property owners. DOT project manager Roy Van Norwick confirmed the staff description was accurate and had no additional comment.
In both cases staff concluded the projects meet the five general standards of KPB 21.18 and recommended granting conditional‑use permits subject to the conditions listed in the resolutions. Commissioners moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adopt PC Resolutions 2026‑09 and 2025‑35; the roll calls recorded affirmative votes from the present commissioners on each resolution.
The permits allow DOT to proceed with bank stabilization work subject to the conditions in the resolutions and any required permits for state‑maintained roads.
