The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is transitioning to a new funding model for its bus service due to population growth exceeding 50,000. This change requires the borough to contribute 50% of the funding, leading to potential tax rate increases. The borough plans to explore grants and other options to mitigate the cost impact. An open bidding process will determine the future provider of transportation services.
FastCast digital headlines for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is growing in size and that means a federal grant covering most of the cost of bus service is being taken away.
“So, this organization really gives us much more of a say in what transportation projects happen in our area, but it also requires some different funding mechanisms where the state can’t just, you know, pass through the federal funds to the operators of for like these transit companies. They can’t just pass through those funds. Now they have to go through the municipal planning organization and get distributed that way,” Hale said.
Edna DeVries, the borough mayor for Mat-Su, said that public comment is currently going on as the borough collects information.
BUS SERVICE FUNDING TAXES MAT-SU BOROUGH TRANSPORTATION
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