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    "slug": "the-moose-loop-just-got-bigger",
    "headline": "the moose loop just got bigger",
    "deck": "The most awkward gap in Anchorage's trail system is finally getting bridged and the price tag is 15.6 million dollars.",
    "url": "https://thedailyalaska.com/story/the-moose-loop-just-got-bigger",
    "section": "Life",
    "area": "Anchorage",
    "published_at": "2026-05-20T20:00:00+00:00",
    "updated_at": "2026-10-01T05:30:16.935315+00:00",
    "body_md": "Construction began Saturday on a 15.6 million dollar project connecting the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to the Ship Creek Trail in downtown Anchorage. Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions is managing the new mile-long section, which reroutes the city's 32 mile Moose Loop near the small boat launch and away from the Alaska Railroad depot on First Avenue.\n\nThe new connection closes what has long been the most awkward gap in Anchorage's trail system for the walkers, runners, bikers and dog walkers who use the Coastal Trail or Moose Loop regularly.\n\nState and federal grants are covering most of the project cost, with the city contributing a 2.8 million dollar match from voter-approved bonds.\n\nThe project also adds a brand new plaza at the small boat launch, recognizing the heritage of an original Athabascan fishing and travel route that ran through the area. The connection also ties into the larger Alaska Long Trail vision, a 500 mile route planned from Seward to Fairbanks.\n\nCompletion is set for 2027, with additional trail connections already planned in Fish Creek and Eagle River.",
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    "summary": "Construction began Saturday on a 15.6 million dollar project led by Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions connecting the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to the Ship Creek Trail, rerouting the 32 mile Moose Loop away from the Alaska Railroad depot on First Avenue. Completion is set for 2027.",
    "key_facts": [
      "Construction kicked off Saturday on the Coastal Trail to Ship Creek Trail connection",
      "The project costs 15.6 million dollars total",
      "The city is matching with 2.8 million dollars from voter-approved bonds",
      "The new mile-long section reroutes the 32 mile Moose Loop near the small boat launch",
      "Completion is set for 2027",
      "Additional connections are planned in Fish Creek and Eagle River"
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    "event_dates": [
      {
        "date": "2027",
        "label": "Project completion"
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      "ship creek trail",
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    "disclosure": "Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing.",
    "generated_at": "2026-10-01T05:30:16.893+00:00",
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