3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS
Affected Environment
3.1.1.5 Population density
Population density in the region can be seen on Figure 3.7. The highest population densities
occur in the Anchorage Bowl, Chugiak-Eagle River area, and the Mat-Su Core Area.
By 2020, the population of the Anchorage Bowl is estimated to increase by 81,800, with a
corresponding 31,600 additional housing units. By the year 2020, another 22,700 residents
are forecast for the Chugiak-Eagle River area. This area is also expected to add another
7,300 housing units (Anchorage 2020:58). The population in Anchorage is expected to
reach 391,000 by 2030. Population in the Mat-Su is expected to reach 108,000 by 2030
(ISER 2001). Anchorage 2020 (Table 8 of Anchorage 2020) overestimated the
2005 population in the Anchorage Bowl at 238,300; actual 2005 Anchorage Bowl population
was 229,400, a difference of 8,900 people, or about 4 percent lower than anticipated
(KABATA 2006h).
3.1.2 Land Use Plans and Policies
The KAC project is currently not detailed in Anchorage 2020 or the Matanuska-Susitna
Borough-Wide Comprehensive Plan. Each plan will require updating to recognize and
effectively manage the implementation of the project. On October 18, 2005, the Anchorage
Municipal Assembly passed a resolution supporting the Knik Arm Crossing project in
furtherance of the goals of Anchorage 2020, subject to the resolution of the required
economic and environmental issues.
3.1.2.1 Mat-Su Borough plans
3.1.2.1.1 Matanuska-Susitna Borough-Wide Comprehensive Plan
Matanuska-Susitna Borough-Wide Comprehensive Plan (1970) was originally adopted
in 1970. Since then, the plan has been updated and amended through the adoption of
community-based plans, specific plans such as the Mat-Su Borough Long-Range
Transportation Plan and Big Lake, Lake Management Plan (Big Lake Citizen’s Advisory
Committee, USKH, Dames & Moore 1988), and plans prepared by the State of Alaska.
New growth has also brought new industries and technologies to the Mat-Su. Some of these
new industries and technologies, such as communication towers, waste incinerators, and oil
and gas development, have created compatibility issues in residential neighborhoods and
recreational areas. The Mat-Su Borough recently updated its comprehensive plan to address
borough-wide population growth and development compatibility issues, as well as public and
private infrastructure. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Comprehensive Plan 2005 Update
was adopted by the Borough Assembly in January 2006. The updated comprehensive plan
will help in managing these and other land uses to enhance the quality of life of Mat-Su
residents while also improving and diversifying the local economy.
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