Assembly transfers riverbank parcels to Alaska DOT to speed erosion control

The Assembly voted May 19 to transfer nine borough-owned parcels along the Old Glenn Highway to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (Ordinance 26-050) for incorporation into the highway right-of-way in order to enable erosion protection projects.

James Sauerwein, representing DOT’s Right-of-Way group, told the Assembly the parcels lie between Maud Road and the Oakland Highway and that incorporating them into the state right-of-way will “enable DOT to more quickly construct erosion protection features” and to respond more flexibly to future erosion. Borough staff said the parcels were largely acquired through past buyout programs after repeated flooding and erosion.

Assembly members framed the transfer as a public-safety and infrastructure priority after years of riverbank loss near the road. Members recounted standing at vulnerable sites where poles and infrastructure had to be protected, and said state ownership would allow DOT to program state funding and projects more holistically. No members registered objection and the ordinance passed.

The ordinance authorizes a less‑than‑fair‑market‑value transfer for public purposes; staff described the intent as transferring the parcels at no value to allow the state to proceed with bank-armoring projects. The Assembly did not adopt a detailed schedule for DOT work; staff and DOT said the transfer will improve the department’s ability to include the sites in upcoming projects. The borough said the parcels were acquired largely through prior buyouts and that conveying them to DOT served the public interest in protecting the highway and adjacent residents.