STORIES · INSIGHTS · LOCAL LIFEThe Daily Alaska
Economy

EconomyAnchorage · December 21, 2025

Mat-Su’s New Front Door

Work is underway on the new Mat-Su Gateway Visitor Center at the Glenn and Parks Highway intersection between Palmer and Wasilla.

Daily Alaska staff · December 21, 2025 · Anchorage

Construction is officially underway on the $6.5 million Gateway Visitor Center between Palmer and Wasilla, at the junction of the Glenn and Parks highways, one of the busiest crossroads in the Mat-Su Valley. The project broke ground in early 2025.

When finished, the 10,600 square foot building will serve as a central welcome point for visitors entering the Mat-Su from Anchorage and beyond. The facility will include a full visitor services area, a gift shop, a coffee shop, and space for educational displays and events.

The goal is to create a modern hub that promotes local businesses, outdoor recreation, and year-round tourism in the Valley.

The project also gives the Mat-Su something it has not had before, a clear first stop that marks arrival in the region.

If construction stays on schedule, the center is tentatively set to open in May 2026.

In this story

Questions people ask

Where is the Gateway Visitor Center being built

At the Glenn and Parks Highway junction between Palmer and Wasilla in the Mat-Su Valley.

How much does the Gateway Visitor Center cost

The project costs 6.5 million dollars.

When will the visitor center open

Tentatively May 2026, if construction stays on schedule.

What will be inside the visitor center

Visitor services, a gift shop, a coffee shop, and space for educational displays and events.

Evidence

Sources

Claims and where they come from

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 →

Report an error in this story

Next in the feed

economyAlaska · Just now

Nome Port Gets $399 Million Federal Contract to Build Deep-Water Dock

The Army Corps awarded Kiewit Infrastructure West a $399.4 million contract to start building Nome's deep-water port, aimed at cutting shipping and fuel costs.

  • Army Corps awarded Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. a $399.4 million contract on Aug. 15, 2025.
  • Phase 1A extends Nome's causeway by 1,200 feet and adds 600 feet of new dock.
Port of Nome Modification ProjectU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska DistrictKiewit Infrastructure West Co.City of NomeInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Read

economySoutheast · Just now

Sitka planners recommend outright ban on data centers in every zone

A 4-0 vote by Sitka's Planning Commission would close the door entirely on data center development in a hydropower-dependent island city, rejecting a staff proposal that would have allowed the facilit

  • Sitka Planning Commission voted 4-0 on October 21, 2026 to recommend a citywide ban on data centers in every zone
  • City staff had proposed allowing data centers via conditional use permit in five districts, which the commission rejected
Sitka Planning CommissionSitka AssemblyCity and Borough of Sitka
Read

economyAlaska · Just now

Alaska Permanent Fund ends FY26 at $91.9 billion after 12.42% returnHeadliner

The fund's $3.8 billion transfer now covers about two-thirds of the state's unrestricted revenue, even as lawmakers skipped a $1.5 billion inflation-proofing payment this year.

  • The Alaska Permanent Fund ended fiscal year 2026 (June 30) worth $91.9 billion, up $6.8 billion from the prior year.
  • The fund earned a 12.42% net return, beating its 8.54% growth target.
Alaska Permanent Fund CorporationPermanent Fund DividendAlaska LegislaturePercent of Market Value Transfer
Read