HousingFairbanks · September 11, 2026
220 acres for free
The state wants to give away 220 acres outside Fairbanks for nothing, and not everyone thinks it should.
Daily Alaska staff · September 11, 2026 · Fairbanks
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has proposed a charitable sale, a transfer at no cost, of 220 acres near the Rosie Creek Trail and roughly 30 acres near Ester to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for affordable housing development. AHFC planning director Daniel Delfino said the agency is still early in the process, and the first step is determining whether the project can be done at all.
The proposal affects Fairbanks residents who use the Rosie Creek Trail system and anyone looking for affordable housing in the area. Trails advocate Eric Troyer raised concerns about losing public trail and recreation access, noting the ground sees year round use and especially heavy use in winter.
Troyer also questioned whether the site makes sense for housing at all. He pointed out the land sits several miles from town and has no public transportation, which would make it a difficult location for residents who depend on it.
The Department of Natural Resources has opened a public comment period on the proposed transfer, which closes September 21, 2026. DNR division chief Rachel Longacre asked commenters to submit factual information so the department can determine whether mitigation measures are needed before any transfer moves forward.
In this story
Questions people ask
How much land does Alaska DNR want to give away?
220 acres near Rosie Creek Trail plus roughly 30 acres near Ester, all at no cost.
Who would get the land and why?
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation would receive it for affordable housing development.
When can Alaskans weigh in on this land transfer?
Public comment closes September 21, 2026.
Why are some people against giving away this land?
Trails advocate Eric Troyer worries about the year-round and heavy winter trail use and says the site is several miles from town with no public transportation, which isn't ideal for housing.
Evidence
Sources
Claims and where they come from
- DNR proposed a charitable sale of 220 acres near Rosie Creek Trail and about 30 acres near Ester to AHFC at no cost. · newsminer.com
- AHFC planning director Daniel Delfino said the first step is determining whether the project can be done. · newsminer.com
- Trails advocate Eric Troyer raised concerns about loss of public trail access and the site's distance from town with no public transportation. · newsminer.com
- The public comment period on the proposed land transfer closes September 21, 2026. · newsminer.com
Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing. How we use AI →