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Residents and committee debate Chilkoot Corridor ad hoc committee’s makeup and public input
Summary
PRAC members expressed concern that the Chilkoot Corridor ad hoc committee is dominated by tourism interests, pushed for clearer timelines for PRAC involvement and public engagement, and discussed asking the assembly to formalize more resident representation and agency participation.
Kathleen, a PRAC member, told the committee she had attended ad hoc committee meetings and raised concerns that tourism interests dominated the group and that PRAC and local residents were not being adequately included. She recounted that a motion to deny a PRAC seat had been made at the assembly and that the assembly later allowed a noncommercial seat appointed by the manager; she said that state agency representation (for example, Alaska Department of Fish and Game) would be valuable on the committee to address fisheries and wildlife issues.
“I asked to have this on agenda because I went to the first meeting and spoke during public comment,” Kathleen said, describing occasions when residents and noncommercial users felt sidelined. She recommended the borough assembly be asked to clarify a timeline for PRAC input and to encourage more public comment opportunities.
Members disagreed over tactics and pace. One member warned against naming individuals during discussion and raised a point of order, calling the remarks “slanderous.” Others urged patience, noting the ad hoc committee will meet monthly and eventually send proposals to PRAC and planning for vetting. Laurie and other committee members said the corridor’s issues have been discussed for decades and involve multiple overlapping authorities.
The committee did not adopt a formal motion at the meeting but discussed whether Kathleen should submit an individual request to the assembly or whether PRAC should make a formal assembly request to secure clearer resident input and a timeline for PRAC review. Members suggested alternatives including joint meetings with the tourism advisory board and outreach materials or a short video to help the governor’s office and other state officials understand the local concerns.
The discussion underscored a recurring procedural problem: committee members said the ad hoc group lacks a clear mission, has rotating representation, and may need better-defined roles for state agencies, tourism representatives and local residents. PRAC agreed to continue monitoring the ad hoc committee and encouraged members to participate in the process and to keep PRAC informed.
