Public Notice - ADL 234872 - Fiber Optic Easement - Matanuska Telecom Association - Willow

What is this notice about?

Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) has asked the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for an easement to place fiber optic lines on three small pieces of state land near Willow. The lines are part of a 79-mile fiber-to-the-premise network that could serve 604 locations. The state is asking for public comments, and the comment deadline has been extended to November 4, 2026.

Why was this notice issued?

Under Alaska Statute AS 38.05.850, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW), Southcentral Regional Land Office received an application from Matanuska Telecom Association for a public utility easement on state-owned land. This revised notice, dated October 6, 2026, extends the comment deadline to November 4, 2026, so that more people can be included.

What action is being taken?

DNR is reviewing a request for an easement with no set end date (indefinite term) for fiber optic facilities across three segments of state-owned, DMLW-managed uplands near Willow: Segment 1 is about 612 feet long and 30 feet wide (Section 3, Township 19 North, Range 4 West, Seward Meridian); Segment 2 is about 116 feet long and 30 feet wide (Section 2, Township 19 North, Range 3 West, Seward Meridian); Segment 3 is about 506 feet long and 15 feet wide (Section 5, Township 19 North, Range 2 West, Seward Meridian). DNR is gathering public input before making a decision. The final easement, if approved, may differ from what is described.

Who is involved: Matanuska Telecom Association, Inc. (applicant)

How can the public respond?

Respond by Wed, Nov 4, 2026 This deadline has passed.

“Written comments or emails must be received on or before November 4, 2026 (extended deadline; no time stated).”

Ways to respond

Mail Division of Mining, Land and Water, Southcentral Regional Land Office, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Email Mary.Campbell@alaska.gov

What to include

Comments must be in writing (letter or email) and received by the deadline to ensure consideration. Refer to ADL 234872. Questions go to Mary Campbell at 907-269-8564 or Mary.Campbell@alaska.gov. People with disabilities who need help to comment can contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services.

Contact

Mary Campbell
Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Southcentral Regional Land Office
Mary.Campbell@alaska.gov
907-269-8564
550 W. 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

Sep 29, 2026: Original notice published
Oct 6, 2026: Revised notice issued extending the comment deadline
Nov 4, 2026: Extended deadline for written comments

Original notice text

REVISED PUBLIC AND AGENCY NOTICE Public Utility Easement Matanuska Telecom Association, Inc. ADL 234872 October 6, 2026 The deadline for comments has been extended to November 4, 2026, to include additional recipients. Subject to AS 38.05.850, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land, and Water (DMLW), Southcentral Regional Land Office (SCRO) has received an application for the following development: APPLICANT: Matanuska Telecom Association PROJECT NAME: ADL 234872 GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Willow, Alaska LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Section 3, Township 19 North, Range 4 West, Seward Meridian Section 2, Township 19 North, Range 3 West, Seward Meridian Section 5, Township 19 North, Range 2 West, Seward Meridian REQUESTED ACTIVITY: The applicant has requested the creation of an easement for the placement of fiber optic facilities near Willow, Alaska. The project would support MTA’s broader efforts to construct a 79-mile-long fiber-to-the-premise network capable of serving 604 locations. The applicant has requested usage of the following sections of State-owned, DMLW-managed uplands with the following measurements: Segment 1: • Approximately 612 feet in length and 30 feet in width of Section 3, Township 19 North, Range 4 West, Seward Meridian Segment 2: • Approximately 116 feet in length and 30 feet in width of Section 2, Township 19 North, Range 3 West, Seward Meridian Segment 3: • Approximately 506 feet in length and 15 feet in width of Section 5, Township 19 North, Range 2 West, Seward Meridian The easement, if approved, may differ from that described herein. REQUESTED TERM: Indefinite DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: November 4, 2026 The public is invited to comment on this activity. The purpose of this notice is to gather input before a decision is made. To ensure consideration, written comments or emails must be received by the Division of Mining, Land and Water at Southcentral Regional Land Office, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501 on or before the date noted above. Questions should be directed to Mary Campbell, Telephone: 907-269-8564; or e-mail: Mary.Campbell@alaska.gov. DNR-DMLW complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services or special modifications to comment should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services. DMLW reserves the right to waive technical defects in this notice.

This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.