The Alaska Department of Natural Resources announced in a press release on Friday that the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation accepted a grant of $1.3 million to complete restoration and preservation work over three years at the Independence Mine.
has been a draw for tourists from all over the world, and there is so much potential for providing a more profound visitor experience,” said Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Director Ricky Gease in the release.
The release said that the foundation will coordinate with contractors who will then upgrade four buildings on site including the manager’s house, two bunk houses and the mess hall. The three-year project will focus on exterior areas of the buildings. Superintendent for the division in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Stuart Leidner
“This is a rare opportunity for the state to partner with MSTPF on a project of this scope,” Leidner said. “We are grateful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for supporting this project and look forward to sharing progress on this historic restoration project as it moves forward. The high level of these facility improvements have simply been out of reach for us with current funding. With MSTPF’s willingness to partner with us, we can make a real impact on this piece of our history.