Assembly overrides mayor's veto on joint marketing resolution tied to Terra Energy; debate centers on data center and coal plant risks

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly voted March 17 to override Mayor Edna DeVries' veto of RS 26-019, a resolution that would permit a 24-month joint marketing effort related to Terra Energy/affiliated proposals and the lands identified in a prior RFI. The clerk announced the override passed with Assemblymember Nowers opposed.

The vote followed hours of public comment that included both forceful opposition and guarded support. Critics, including Laura Stockamer in public comment, described the resolution as premature and risky: "This project does not meet the most basic standards of public trust and transparency," she said, urging independent review and more detail on potential taxpayer exposure. Several speakers emphasized the potential scale of resources at stake (public staff time, nearly 10,000 acres of borough-managed land) and demanded environmental and financial accountability before the borough lent its name to the project.

Supporters of moving forward with marketing argued the resolution only opens exploration of interest and would not commit borough funds to construction or leases. Assemblymembers who favored overriding the veto said rejecting the resolution could send a message that the borough is closed to conversations that might lower local energy costs or provide jobs. Assemblymember Boles urged the assembly not to "close the door" and said clarifying amendments could follow.

Opponents warned specifically about language that asks the borough to provide "appropriate staff and related support" while Terra Energy would fund marketing. "That reads like renting out borough staff to do private promotion," an assembly member said during debate. Supporters and administration staff said the phrase is commonly used to authorize logistical and informational support (maps, tours, staff time for meetings) and does not obligate the borough to expend funds for the private company.

The override restores the previously adopted resolution. Several assembly members said they expect to bring back amendments and clarifications in future meetings to tighten language around staff use, funding responsibilities, and environmental safeguards. The assembly did not approve any land leases or permit actions at the March 17 meeting.

Next steps: the assembly's override means the resolution stands as adopted but subject to later amendment; staff and managers were asked to draft clarifying language and bring additional materials back to the assembly for detailed review.