Notice of Application for State Water Quality Certification – POA-2022-00165 v1.0 Skwentna River, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority –West Susitna Access Project

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) seeks a Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the West Susitna Access Project, a 78.5‑mile, two‑lane gravel road crossing the Skwentna River watershed. The project will involve placement of up to 700,000 cubic yards of fill, construction of 10 bridges, ~138 culverts (including fish‑passage structures), a maintenance station, an airstrip, material extraction sites, and water‑extraction points. Work is slated to begin 1 Oct 2026 and finish 1 Apr 2028, with a 300‑foot right‑of‑way and numerous pull‑outs. The effort aims to provide year‑round public access to remote Matanuska‑Susitna Borough lands for recreation, residential, commercial, and industrial uses, supporting mineral, timber, agricultural, and energy development. The public comment period runs until 13 Oct 2026; the DEC will evaluate compliance with the Clean Water Act and Alaska water‑quality standards before issuing certification. • 78.5‑mile gravel road on state‑owned land, two travel lanes, 24‑ft width, 300‑ft ROW • Up to 700,000 cy of fill in < 66 acres of aquatic resources • 10 bridges (up to 150 ft spans) and ~138 culverts (fish‑passage & drainage) • Supporting infrastructure: maintenance station, airstrip (200 ft × 5,000 ft), 17 material sites, 9 water‑extraction sites, winter access routes • Construction window: Oct 2026 – Apr 2028 (≈ 18 months) • Public comment deadline: 13 Oct 2026 (questions/objections) • Compliance with Section 401 (CWA) and state water‑quality standards required