WASILLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce encourages the development of free markets, healthy local economies, and autonomous local governments. To achieve this we propose the following long-term goals:
Request adequate infrastructure and local control to support the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of our residents and visitors alike. Seek to incentivize economic growth including reliable, safe, and reasonably priced telecommunications, gas, power, roads, and ports. Support projects that improve reliability and capacity in areas of high probability for growth while stabilizing associated rates/taxes.
Below are our top priorities for the upcoming year:
1. Knik-Goose Bay Road (KGB) upgrade –
It is the top priority of GWCC to see Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction remain on track for completion, and funding be secured for Phase 3. GWCC appreciates the Governor and Wasilla legislators’ action to date and request you stay vigilant to ensure the current projects stay on time and funded as the phases move forward.
2. Maintain critical construction schedule for STIP-approved projects such as the Wasilla Main Street project, and Seward Meridian upgrades to support safety and economic growth. In addition, local area projects like Bogard/Engstrom and the Glenn highway upgrades should continue to be prioritized.
3. Secure maximum federal and state transportation dollars recognizing the area’s substantial growth and status as an economic engine for the region and the state; secure targeted state and federal funding and other support as a catalyst to leverage private dollars, spur economic growth and ensure the longterm vitality of the area.
a. Support the Mat-Su Borough’s efforts to leverage Federal funding through the Community Transportation Program (CTP) and Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to improve safety, relieve traffic congestion, develop pedestrian amenities, and ensure for the safe and efficient flow of goods and services. Secure funding support for the ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ program in order to develop a comprehensive safety plan for the Mat-Su Borough.
b. Support the creation of a Port MacKenzie economic development zone that includes tax incentives to promote private investment in the Port District. Additionally, with no movement in recent years for additional funding to complete the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension (PMRE), support to develop the existing rail embankment for use as a public road from the Point MacKenzie area to Houston, more readily connecting Port MacKenzie with the Parks Highway.
c. Pursue an alternate transportation corridor between the Anchorage Bowl and points north across the Knik Arm to ensure adequate safety, food security and emergency response as well as economic opportunities for the region.
d. City of Wasilla Sewer/Water – pursue targeted infrastructure funding to support upgrades, enhancements, and expansion of the City of Wasilla Sewer and Water systems.
e. Cost of Energy – pursue development of projects that can help stabilize and reduce the cost of energy across the state and ensure energy diversification & resilience.
f. Secure funding for improvements to substandard roads, culverts, and bridges.
4. Wasilla City Airport – Support state and federal funding for airport terminal, runway expansion, and Tract 7 Apron Development GWCC also supports the creation of an updated Airport Master Plan and increased development for airport infrastructure and support companies.
5. Pursue user-friendly health cost transparency at the state and federal level, including an All-Payor Claims Database to provide better information to consumers and incentivize lower costs.
6. Pursue continued financial support for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games (AWG). AWG will provide a boost to our local region on both economic and community development and the funding to support these games is vital not just to the region but to the State.
7. Education: A thriving and well-rated school system is essential to community and economic growth of a region. GWCC supports consistent full funding of school bond debt reimbursement. Level and predictable funding as part of a long-term sustainable fiscal plan is vital to providing financial stability to the Borough and its residents. Adjusting the Base Student Allocation (BSA) for inflation on an annual basis allows for predictable funding of our local school district.
8. Pursue funding for Forestry programs to remove beetle-killed spruce/reduce fire hazards Wildfire Risk Reduction is vital to our region. Wildfires are disruptive to residents and businesses, costly to fight, and devastating to communities. GWCC supports wildfire risk reduction through the funding of programs to remove beetle-killed spruce and other programs designed to reduce fire hazards.
9. Support the legislature passing a constitutional amendment to promote a balanced spending plan which reflects future revenue predictions.
10. Move alcohol regulations and associated enforcement from the state to qualified local jurisdictions. GWCC supports improvements that support local control to Title 4.
Your leader in advocating a business climate that fosters positive economic growth and prosperity.
The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 non-profit membership organization that seeks to advocate for a business climate that fosters positive economic growth and prosperity.
The 2023 Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Legislative Priorities were curated by the Government Affairs Committee and approved by the Board of Directors in December 2022.
Join the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce for our twicemonthly luncheons on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at noon. See the Chamber website for details and upcoming speakers. Brief updates from elected officials are welcomed and encouraged.
