Last Week to Comment on Borough Road Plan, and More
The Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) is in the process of updating the Borough Comprehensive Road Plan, and is taking public comments until this Friday, July 14.
The previous version of the Comprehensive Roads Plan was put into place in 1991.
From the outside, I know that the timeline for the plan has been stretched to make sure that residents have the chance to weigh in….though I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that this is the first times you’ve been made aware of a chance to provide feedback.
From the Borough website:
The stated goal of the Borough is to evaluate and update the 1991 Comprehensive Roads Plan in order to improve the current and future road network by creating appropriate and strategic road corridors and access points across the borough.
The process aims to:
Bring together and build from the knowledge of residents, community leaders, transportation experts, and the private sector.
Understand how the borough has and is projected to grow and change, and related challenges and opportunities for a future roads network.
Take advantage of new and improved data on things like permafrost, wetlands, and other topographical features.
Share and document examples of successes and lesson learned from the 1991 Plan and related roads policies.
After the comment period closes on July 14, Borough staff will compile all public comments and convene a Steering Committee to review and make recommendations for the Final Plan.
The Final Plan will then go before the FNSB Platting Board, Planning Commission, and Assembly as part of the adoption process this winter, during which there will be additional opportunities for community input.
You may learn more and submit comments about the Road Plan draft through the Borough website by this Friday, July 14.
Sun Jam Summer Celebration: Saturday, July 15
The Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition (FCAC) is having a party to celebrate renewable energy efforts in the Borough.
The FCAC Renewable Energy Working Group will highlight the success they have had in organizing around GVEA programs and increasing solar energy use through their annual Solarize campaigns. They will also be showcasing renewable energy options for Alaska in a continued push for a transition off of fossil fuels.
Live music, food, and games will be provided. You can track and learn more about the event on Facebook or by emailing sarah@fbxclimateaction.org.
Bike Valet Service: Volunteering at Golden Days
FAST Planning and the Fairbanks Cycle Club are hosting a Bike Valet Parking service at Golden Days this year, and are looking for a handful more volunteers to provide this service. You can sign up for one of the last remaining shifts here.
This is a free, secure option for folks to store their bikes while they wander around downtown, and really looks to increase the likelihood of residents biking to major events like this.
After the Midnight Sun Festival Bike Valet was a success, FAST Planning and the Fairbanks Cycle Club hope to keep the momentum alive and generate a similar response for Golden Days…and likely future events, too.
What a cool idea. You can sign up for one of the last remaining shifts here.
Anti Ore-Haul Petition Signing Continues
Public interest in Advocates for Safe Alaskan Highway's (ASAH) anti-trucking petition continues to be strong. The petition is against the ore-haul plan proposed by Kinross. ASAH says that hundreds have signed up already.
Here are confirmed locations and dates that the petition is/will be available for signing. They are working on others.
July 13, 6-8PM at the Delta Junction Community Center
July 21-23, a booth at the Deltana Fair
July 29, day table at the Tanana Valley State Fair (in the blue Borealis building)
August 5, day table at the Tanana Valley State Fair (in the blue Borealis building)
Salcha Store, anytime the store is open
Delta IGA, anytime the store is open
Delta Building Supply, anytime the store is open
If you are not able to get to any of these, print the petition, sign it (you can get friends and family to sign, too) and either scan it and email it to info@safealaskahighways.org or just email them and they will make provisions to meet you in person.
If you have been collecting signatures, please contact ASAH at info@safealaskahighways.org to make arrangements for pickup of your sheets.
You can also email me, and I’ll meet you for a signature.
Around the Corner
I’ve been fortunate enough to recently join the Board of Kids Voting North Alaska. Kids Voting North Alaska is a nonpartisan voter education program committed to helping students in Interior Alaska become lifelong voters.
I’m thrilled to be a small part of an awesome team that’s looking to empower kids of all ages to be active and engaged citizens.
Board members will be tabling most days at the Tanana Valley State Fair with the League of Women Voters: come say hi!
I’ll be excited to share plans, projects, and updates from this group going forward.
Thanks for reading!
We’re closing in on 200 subscribers, which just feels really special.
Nearly 20 of you have become paid subscribers, which really keeps me going: extra special thank you!
Hope everyone has a wonderful week.