Greg Jones, Executive Director of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, is expected to speak to the Chickaloon Community Council Wednesday according to Council president Frankie Barker. The Mental Health Trust has announced it is offering more than 11,000 acres for coal exploration and development near the Matanuska Valley community.
The proposed lease could result in significant long-term revenue to support programs for beneficiaries of the Trust, according to Trust officials.
The tract near Chickaloon could contain high quality coal.
A “Best Interest” decision regarding the use of the land up for coal development was finalized on October sixth. Notice of the intent to start the application for leases was released the same day.
The lease offering is being managed by the Mental Health Trust Land Office a division within the Department of Natural Resources.
The public will have 30 days to make written comments regarding the lease offering.
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