# Houston's 19,950 acres, and the answer owed October 26th

> Commissioner Crowther, your department would keep a take-back clause on 885 acres at Port MacKenzie and waive it on 19,950 acres at Houston.

Published 2026-10-16 by Alaska AI. 9 slides.
Canonical: https://alaskaaihq.com/archive/2026-10-16/

## The story

"The Governor's office has not given us permission to attend."

DECLINING AN OCTOBER 8TH HEARING ON 19,950 ACRES

Senators voted to subpoena him.

On October 14th Senate Resources voted to subpoena Natural Resources Commissioner John Crowther. DNR confirmed a day later that he will appear on October 26th at 10 a.m.

About 19,950 acres of state land, at no cost for the land.

About 31 square miles, two miles north of Houston, to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority under the public and charitable use statute. AIDEA would cover survey and closing costs, not the land's value.

94 percent of other transfers under it were under 100 acres.

This one is about 200 times that. The law sets no size limit, the Legislature's lawyer wrote, and he was not aware of any earlier transfer to AIDEA under it.

"The scope of this decision does not include AIDEA's post-patent use."

The decision lists scalable data centers among AIDEA's possible uses. On October 8th AIDEA's director called a data center there implausible, Alaska's News Source reported.

Port MacKenzie's draft keeps a reverter. Houston's would waive it.

DNR's Port MacKenzie decision includes a five year take-back clause on 885 acres. Without one, the Legislature's lawyer wrote on September 4th, no legal mechanism after patent keeps the land serving a public purpose.

41.8 miles of trail already cross it.

They tie into the Haessler-Norris. The committee lists mushing, four-wheeling and snowmachining.

July 10th to October 26th

Why waive the reverter at Houston and keep it at Port MacKenzie?

What should the first question be?

## What we verified

- DNR proposes to convey approximately 19,950 acres of state-owned land in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to AIDEA. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- The Houston parcel lies approximately two miles north of the City of Houston. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- DNR would make the Houston conveyance noncompetitively and at no cost under AS 38.05.810(a), the Public and Charitable Use statute. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- AIDEA would make no payment for the value of the Houston land but would cover administrative, survey, platting and closing costs. [Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) fact sheet, posted by the Senate Resources Committee](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16980), primary document, 2026-07-01.
- DNR's preliminary decision says the commissioner shall waive the state's reversionary interest in the Houston land. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- DNR wrote that keeping a reverter clause would limit AIDEA's ability to use its bonding authority and financing options. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- AS 38.05.810(g) requires the commissioner to retain a reversionary interest on these disposals unless it is waived by written determination. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, statute and regulation handout for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16970), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- DNR proposes to reclassify about 15,100 acres of the Houston parcel as Settlement land. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- DNR's preliminary decision states that its scope does not include AIDEA's use of the land after it is patented. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- Scalable data centers are among the uses DNR's decision lists for AIDEA's proposed Houston district. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- The parcel's northern boundary runs east along Deception Creek for about six miles to the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- The parcel's western boundary lies approximately two miles east of the Parks Highway. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- The portion of the parcel in Township 18 North, Range 3 West totals about 7,375.87 acres. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- The portion of the parcel in Township 19 North, Range 3 West totals about 4,172 acres. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- The portion of the parcel in Township 18 North, Range 2 West totals about 8,386.96 acres. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- About 1,600 acres of the parcel are described by a plat approved by the U.S. Surveyor General's Office in Juneau in 1915. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- Other sections of the parcel are described by a plat approved by the U.S. Surveyor General's Office in Juneau in 1917. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- DNR says the Little Susitna River south of the site flows at about 50 CFS in winter and up to 2,000 CFS in summer. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- DNR counts approximately 41.8 miles of documented trails within the parcel that tie into networks such as the Haessler-Norris. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- DMLW Director Christy Colles signed the Houston preliminary decision for public notice on July 10th. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- Sand, gravel and rock are not part of the state's mineral reservation and would go to AIDEA with the land. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234762](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16978), primary document, 2026-07-10.
- AIDEA's own fact sheet describes the listed uses for the Houston land as possibilities and not commitments. [Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) fact sheet, posted by the Senate Resources Committee](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16980), primary document, 2026-07-01.
- The Senate Resources Committee's issues overview says 94 percent of other transfers under this statute were under 100 acres. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- The committee's issues overview says the Houston transfer covers about 31 square miles. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- The committee's issues overview says about 37 percent of the Houston area is wetlands. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- The committee's issues overview says the area holds more than 40 miles of public trails used for mushing, four-wheeling and snowmachining. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- The committee's issues overview says AIDEA now says there is no data center planned. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- The committee's issues overview says the Houston city council voted unanimously to oppose the land transfer. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- The Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted to oppose the Houston transfer. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- According to the committee, the governor's SB 224 and HB 276, which sought below-market land transfers for commercial development, did not move from either Resources Committee. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, Issues Overview for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16966), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- DNR adopted its public purpose regulation, 11 AAC 98.010, on March 14th. [Alaska Legislative Legal Services memo by Alpheus Bullard](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16968), primary document, 2026-09-04.
- Clause 4 of 11 AAC 98.010 counts support for private commerce or industry that contributes to economic development as a public purpose. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, statute and regulation handout for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16970), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- AS 38.05.810(a) requires the commissioner to ensure that disposals under it serve a public purpose and are in the public interest. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee, statute and regulation handout for the October 8th hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16970), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- Senator Cathy Giessel sent Commissioner Crowther a public records request about the AIDEA and AHFC transfers on September 1st. [Office of Senator Cathy Giessel, Discussion Notes and Timeline for the October 14th SRES hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16996), primary document, 2026-10-14.
- Giessel's office notes say DNR sent an initial response on September 10th and nothing after that. [Office of Senator Cathy Giessel, Discussion Notes and Timeline for the October 14th SRES hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16996), primary document, 2026-10-14.
- On September 18th Giessel's office invited Crowther to the October 8th hearing, set for 1 to 3 p.m. at the Anchorage LIO. [Office of Senator Cathy Giessel, Discussion Notes and Timeline for the October 14th SRES hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16996), primary document, 2026-10-14.
- On September 22nd Crowther's office declined the invitation, saying the governor's office had not given permission to attend. [Office of Senator Cathy Giessel, Discussion Notes and Timeline for the October 14th SRES hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16996), primary document, 2026-10-14.
- On October 9th Giessel invited Crowther to speak to Senate Resources on October 26th at 10 a.m. at the Anchorage LIO. [Office of Senator Cathy Giessel, Discussion Notes and Timeline for the October 14th SRES hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16996), primary document, 2026-10-14.
- On October 13th Giessel's office repeated its September 1st request for information to DNR. [Office of Senator Cathy Giessel, Discussion Notes and Timeline for the October 14th SRES hearing](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16996), primary document, 2026-10-14.
- A September 4th Legislative Legal Services memo says DNR limited its review to exclude AIDEA's use of the land after conveyance. [Alaska Legislative Legal Services memo by Alpheus Bullard](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16968), primary document, 2026-09-04.
- The Bullard memo concludes that without an analysis of likely uses the conveyance may raise legal issues. [Alaska Legislative Legal Services memo by Alpheus Bullard](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16968), primary document, 2026-09-04.
- The Bullard memo says the statute sets no limit on the amount of land that may be conveyed. [Alaska Legislative Legal Services memo by Alpheus Bullard](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16968), primary document, 2026-09-04.
- Bullard wrote that he was not aware of any prior transfer of land to AIDEA under AS 38.05.810. [Alaska Legislative Legal Services memo by Alpheus Bullard](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16968), primary document, 2026-09-04.
- Bullard wrote that without a reversionary interest there is no post-patent legal mechanism to keep the land serving a public purpose. [Alaska Legislative Legal Services memo by Alpheus Bullard](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16968), primary document, 2026-09-04.
- In a July 30th letter quoted by the committee, AIDEA Executive Director Randy Ruaro wrote that no project had been approved or selected. [Alaska Senate Resources Committee letter to Commissioner Crowther](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16969), primary document, 2026-09-09.
- DNR has separately proposed a no-cost conveyance of approximately 885 acres near Port MacKenzie to AIDEA. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234934](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16973), primary document, 2026-09-16.
- Unlike the Houston decision, DNR's Port MacKenzie preliminary decision keeps a reverter if AIDEA does not use the land within five years. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234934](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16973), primary document, 2026-09-16.
- Public comment on the Port MacKenzie preliminary decision closes at 5 p.m. on October 21st. [Alaska DNR Division of Mining, Land and Water, Preliminary Decision ADL 234934](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16973), primary document, 2026-09-16.
- The University of Alaska published five principles behind its AI guidelines on October 16th. [University of Alaska Office of Public Affairs](https://www.alaska.edu/news/system/2026-ai-in-your-workday-five-principles.php), primary document, 2026-10-16.
- The University of Alaska's guidelines cover using generative AI in communications work. [University of Alaska Office of Public Affairs](https://www.alaska.edu/news/system/2026-ai-in-your-workday-five-principles.php), primary document, 2026-10-16.
- UA's five principles are authenticity, discernment, accountability, transparency and respect. [University of Alaska Office of Public Affairs](https://www.alaska.edu/news/system/2026-ai-in-your-workday-five-principles.php), primary document, 2026-10-16.
- UA's transparency principle says AI use necessitates clear disclosure. [University of Alaska Office of Public Affairs](https://www.alaska.edu/news/system/2026-ai-in-your-workday-five-principles.php), primary document, 2026-10-16.
- UA's accountability principle says every individual, and ultimately the institution, is responsible for what it publishes. [University of Alaska Office of Public Affairs](https://www.alaska.edu/news/system/2026-ai-in-your-workday-five-principles.php), primary document, 2026-10-16.
- DNR's vicinity map for the Houston parcel counts 19,949 total acres in its soil analysis. [Alaska DNR, Houston Sites vicinity map (ADL 234762), Senate Resources packet A.1](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16976), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- DNR's vicinity map classes 62.6 percent of the Houston parcel, 12,490 acres, as upland. [Alaska DNR, Houston Sites vicinity map (ADL 234762), Senate Resources packet A.1](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16976), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- DNR's vicinity map classes 37.0 percent of the Houston parcel, 7,385 acres, as wetland. [Alaska DNR, Houston Sites vicinity map (ADL 234762), Senate Resources packet A.1](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16976), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- DNR's vicinity map classes 0.4 percent of the Houston parcel, 74 acres, as water. [Alaska DNR, Houston Sites vicinity map (ADL 234762), Senate Resources packet A.1](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16976), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- DNR's vicinity map labels the two parts of the parcel the Houston West Site and the Houston East Site. [Alaska DNR, Houston Sites vicinity map (ADL 234762), Senate Resources packet A.1](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?session=34&docid=16976), primary document, 2026-10-08.
- The Legislature's meeting schedule lists the October 26th Senate Resources meeting at 10 a.m. in the Denali Room of the Anchorage Legislative Information Office. [Alaska State Legislature, BASIS meetings feed](https://www.akleg.gov/publicservice/basis/meetings?session=34), primary document, 2026-10-17.
- The Legislature's meeting schedule lists a joint House and Senate Resources meeting on October 8th at 1 p.m. and a Senate Resources meeting on October 14th at 10 a.m., both in the Anchorage LIO Denali Room. [Alaska State Legislature, BASIS meetings feed](https://www.akleg.gov/publicservice/basis/meetings?session=34), primary document, 2026-10-17.
- The Senate Resources Committee voted on Wednesday, October 14th, to subpoena Commissioner Crowther. [Alaska Public Media](https://alaskapublic.org/news/politics/alaska-legislature/2026-10-15/dnr-commissioner-will-appear-at-hearing-on-land-transfer-after-state-senate-subpoena), report, 2026-10-15.
- Five senators voted in favor of the subpoena during the October 14th meeting. [Alaska's News Source (KTUU)](https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/10/15/senators-subpoena-dnr-commissioner-over-aidea-land-transfer/), report, 2026-10-14.
- Sen. Bill Wielechowski made the motion to subpoena Crowther. [Alaska's News Source (KTUU)](https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/10/15/senators-subpoena-dnr-commissioner-over-aidea-land-transfer/), report, 2026-10-14.
- DNR confirmed on Thursday, October 15th, that Crowther would appear at the October 26th hearing. [Alaska Public Media](https://alaskapublic.org/news/politics/alaska-legislature/2026-10-15/dnr-commissioner-will-appear-at-hearing-on-land-transfer-after-state-senate-subpoena), report, 2026-10-15.
- The committee's next meeting is scheduled for October 26th at 10 a.m. [Alaska's News Source (KTUU)](https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/10/15/senators-subpoena-dnr-commissioner-over-aidea-land-transfer/), report, 2026-10-14.
- AIDEA Executive Director Randy Ruaro testified on October 8th that the rumored data center is implausible because there is no excess energy supply. [Alaska's News Source (KTUU)](https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/10/15/senators-subpoena-dnr-commissioner-over-aidea-land-transfer/), report, 2026-10-14.
- KTUU reports that Ruaro testified that no developer, tenant, power source or site plan exists for the Houston land. [Alaska's News Source (KTUU)](https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/10/15/senators-subpoena-dnr-commissioner-over-aidea-land-transfer/), report, 2026-10-14.
- Giessel said the transfer is a violation of the Legislature's appropriation authority. [Alaska Public Media](https://alaskapublic.org/news/politics/alaska-legislature/2026-10-15/dnr-commissioner-will-appear-at-hearing-on-land-transfer-after-state-senate-subpoena), report, 2026-10-15.
- Giessel said one of her big concerns is that this is a huge conveyance of public land. [Anchorage Daily News](https://www.adn.com/politics/2026/10/14/alaska-senate-resources-committee-subpoenas-resources-commissioner-looking-to-sidestep-governor/), report, 2026-10-15.
- Giessel said the University of Alaska charges a private Mat-Su developer $586,740 a year to lease 829 acres. [Alaska's News Source (KTUU)](https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/10/15/senators-subpoena-dnr-commissioner-over-aidea-land-transfer/), report, 2026-10-14.
- Giessel estimated the nearly 20,000 acres are worth roughly $14 million a year in foregone state revenue. [Alaska's News Source (KTUU)](https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/10/15/senators-subpoena-dnr-commissioner-over-aidea-land-transfer/), report, 2026-10-14.
- Terra Energy's payment on its 829-acre UA lease near Port MacKenzie would increase to $586,000 a year once operations begin. [Mat-Su Sentinel](https://www.matsusentinel.com/large-industrial-energy-projects-planned-for-leased-ua-land-at-port-mackenzie/), report, 2026-10-06.
- DNR was reviewing more than 2,100 public comments on the Houston transfer. [Alaska Journal of Commerce (Anchorage Daily News)](https://www.adn.com/alaska-journal/news/2026/10/04/lawmakers-raise-legal-concerns-over-mat-su-industrial-park-and-proposed-land-transfer/), report, 2026-09-28.
- University leadership planned to submit a finalized AI policy draft for approval at the November regents meeting. [Alaska Public Media (KTOO)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/education/2026-09-18/university-of-alaska-regents-consider-draft-ai-policy), report, 2026-09-18.
- If approved, the draft UA policy would require all three campuses to have an AI plan for students, faculty and staff. [Alaska Public Media (KTOO)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/education/2026-09-18/university-of-alaska-regents-consider-draft-ai-policy), report, 2026-09-18.
- UA Chief Information Technology Officer Ben Shier called AI one of the most profound technology shifts the university has seen. [Anchorage Daily News](https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/education/2026/10/04/ai-policy-coming-to-university-of-alaska-as-student-misuse-increases/), report, 2026-10-04.
- Alaska DNR favors ENSTAR's proposal over Hilcorp's for gas storage in the Kenai Loop field. [Alaska Public Media (KDLL)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/economy/energy/2026-10-16/state-favors-enstar-in-dueling-kenai-gas-storage-project-proposals), report, 2026-10-16.
- DNR issued its preliminary finding on the Kenai storage proposals on Tuesday, October 13th. [Peninsula Clarion](https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/2026/10/16/state-favors-enstar-over-hilcorp-for-kenai-gas-storage-lease/), report, 2026-10-16.
- Written comments on DNR's Kenai storage preliminary finding are due by 5 p.m. on November 13th. [Peninsula Clarion](https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/2026/10/16/state-favors-enstar-over-hilcorp-for-kenai-gas-storage-lease/), report, 2026-10-16.
- The City of Kenai says it owns the Kenai Loop reservoir pore space. [Alaska Public Media (KDLL)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/economy/energy/2026-10-16/state-favors-enstar-in-dueling-kenai-gas-storage-project-proposals), report, 2026-10-16.
- Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank raised the dispute in an October 7th letter to DNR Commissioner Crowther. [Alaska Public Media (KDLL)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/economy/energy/2026-10-16/state-favors-enstar-in-dueling-kenai-gas-storage-project-proposals), report, 2026-10-16.
- DNR said the Kenai Loop field once held around 32.5 billion cubic feet of gas. [Alaska Public Media (KDLL)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/economy/energy/2026-10-16/state-favors-enstar-in-dueling-kenai-gas-storage-project-proposals), report, 2026-10-16.
- The Kenai Loop gas field sits partially under the Kenai airport. [Alaska Public Media (KDLL)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/economy/energy/2026-10-16/state-favors-enstar-in-dueling-kenai-gas-storage-project-proposals), report, 2026-10-16.
- The Kenai storage project is estimated to cost $240 million. [Peninsula Clarion](https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/2026/10/16/state-favors-enstar-over-hilcorp-for-kenai-gas-storage-lease/), report, 2026-10-16.
- DNR's Haley Paine said ENSTAR's proposal was the one the division found to be in the state's best interest. [Alaska Public Media (KDLL)](https://alaskapublic.org/news/economy/energy/2026-10-16/state-favors-enstar-in-dueling-kenai-gas-storage-project-proposals), report, 2026-10-16.
- Houston, Alaska, lies at about 61.608 degrees north and 149.774 degrees west, along the George Parks Highway and the Little Susitna River. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston,_Alaska), report, 2026-10-17.

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