NOTICE OF INTENT TO BEGIN ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Project Title: TAP: Palmer-Fishhook: Trunk Road to Edgerton Parks Road Separated Pathway
Project No.: CFHWY01216/0580021

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has assumed the responsibilities of the Federal Highway Administration under 23 U.S.C. 327 and is soliciting comments and information on a proposal to construct a separated, non-motorized pathway along Palmer-Fishhook Road extending from Trunk Road north to Edgerton Parks Road.  The purpose of the proposed project is to improve safety and connectivity for non-motorized users.

The proposed work would include:

• Excavation and construction of base for a pathway
• Milling and paving
• Installation of fish passage culverts
• Drainage improvements
• ADA improvements
• Utility relocations
• Roadside hardware
• Vegetative clearing and grubbing

The proposed project would encroach into base (100-year) floodplain associated with Wasilla Creek and Little Susitna River (FEMA FIRM Panels 02170C7265F and 02170C7253F, effective date September 27, 2019).  Unmapped floodplains may be associated with Carnegie Creek and/or other small waterways intersecting the proposed project.  Project activities, such as excavation and construction of base for pathway, installation of fish culverts, and drainage improvements, may encroach into the base (100-year) floodplains within the project area.  No net changes to base flood elevation or significant encroachments are anticipated

This proposed project will comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; Executive Orders: 11990 (Wetlands Protection), 11988 (Floodplain Protection), the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and U.S. DOT Act Section 4(f).

Construction for the proposed project is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2030. To ensure that all possible factors are considered, please provide written comments to the following address by February 28, 2026.

 
Heidi Zimmer, Regional Environmental Manager
DOT&PF Preliminary Design & Environmental
P.O. Box 196900
Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6900
Heidi.Zimmer@Alaska.gov

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Aaron Hunting, P.E., Project Manager, at (907) 269-0546 or aaron.hunting@alaska.gov or Anne Gleason, Environmental Impact Analyst, at (907) 707-1926 or anne.gleason@alaska.gov.  

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated April 13, 2023 and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.

It is the policy of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no person shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of any and all programs or activities we provide based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin, regardless of the funding source including Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration and State of Alaska Funds.