The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is reviewing public comments before determining whether nearly 20,000 acres of land near Houston should be transferred at no cost to the state’s industrial development agency. But the community uses much of that land for recreation, and some residents fear the transfer could open it up to data centers.
The state owns the land, which includes parcels in Houston, Meadow Lakes and Willow. According to DNR’s preliminary decision on the transfer, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority wants to use the land for a multi-use industrial and energy development district.
Willow resident Ramey Smyth said his family has lived near the land and run dogs on it for generations. It’s also a good place for berry picking, snowmachining and hunting, he said…