1-26-999 Data Center and Large Power User Borough Owned Land RFI.pdf

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Request for Letters of Interest - Data Center and Large Power User Siting on Borough Owned Lands
Solicitation number
26-115I
Issued by
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

About this file

This is a Request for Letters of Interest (RFI) issued by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) Purchasing Division in Palmer, Alaska, seeking non-binding expressions of interest from qualified entities regarding potential development, ground lease, or other lawful use of select MSB-owned lands for data centers and large power users. The RFI solicits interest in facility types including enterprise, colocation, and hyperscale data centers; high-performance computing; industrial or advanced manufacturing load centers; district energy or thermal energy users; and other energy-intensive facilities compatible with Borough land uses. Respondents are requested to provide information across eight key sections: respondent qualifications and experience; project description and facility type; power and utilities requirements; site requirements; preferred development and transaction models; development schedule; workforce and economic impact; and any unique considerations or suggestions for future RFP/RFQ structure. The RFI is open-ended with no scheduled closure date, and interested parties are encouraged to contact Rustin.Krafft@matsu.gov for submission or questions. Electronic submissions in PDF format should not exceed 25 pages excluding appendices and may alternatively be communicated through meetings with Borough staff.

The MSB maintains a diverse portfolio of borough-owned lands across four primary identified areas—Ayrshire North (2,563.69 acres), Fish Creek (3,435.34 acres), Goose Creek (2,646.47 acres), and Hollywood Road (1,230.82 acres)—offering regional advantages including competitive and scalable power availability, ambient cooling opportunities due to cold weather, access to fiber and telecommunications infrastructure, and proximity to transportation assets including highways, rail, and port facilities. All responses are voluntary and non-binding; no award, contract, lease, sale, or other commitment will result from this RFI. The Borough may use information received to inform future competitive or non-competitive processes, conduct feasibility analyses, engage stakeholders, or advance land disposition options. All costs associated with responding are the sole responsibility of respondents, and responses may be subject to public disclosure under Alaska public records laws. The MatSu Borough, located 35 miles north of Anchorage with an estimated 2025 population of 111,752, offers business incentives including site development assistance, industrial revenue bond financing, tax increment financing, fasttrack permitting, and property tax deferrals or graduated exemptions designed to reduce barriers and encourage capital investment and job creation.

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REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF

INTEREST

26-999

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH

PURCHASING DIVISION

PALMER, ALASKA

FOR

Data Center and Large Power User Siting on Borough Owned Lands

SECTION I

RFI

SECTION II

Discover Mat-Su

SECTION III

Current Identified Parcels Ayrshire North Fish Creek Goose Creek Area Hollywood Road

SECTION IV

Mat-Su Annual Report

Section I

RFI

MATANUSKA–SUSITNA BOROUGH

Data Center and Large Power User Siting on Borough Owned Lands

1. RFI OVERVIEW

1.1 Issuing Entity

Matanuska–Susitna Borough (MSB) Palmer, Alaska

1.2 RFI Purpose

The MSB maintains a diverse land portfolio with sites of varying sizes, zoning designations, and access to transportation and utilities. The Borough is evaluating opportunities to activate suitable parcels for energy-intensive users that can leverage regional power, cooling, and fiber advantages while conforming to local land use, environmental protections, and community priorities.-intensive users that can leverage regional power, cooling, and fiber advantages while conforming to local land use, environmental protections, and community priorities.

This Request for Interest (RFI) is being issued to solicit non-binding expressions of interest from qualified entities regarding the potential development, ground lease, or other lawful use of select MSB-owned lands for data centers or other large power users, including but not limited to:-binding expressions of interest from qualified entities regarding the potential development-owned lands for data centers or other large power users, including but not limited to:

Data centers (enterprise, colocation, hyperscale)

High-performance computing (HPC)

Industrial or advanced manufacturing load centers

District energy or thermal energy users

Other energy intensive facilities compatible with Borough land uses-intensive facilities compatible with Borough land uses

The Borough seeks to assess market interest, understand infrastructure and siting requirements, and identify potential site–user matches that align with MSB’s goals for economic development, job creation, and responsible resource management.

1.3 Non-binding Nature of RFI-Binding Nature of RFI

This is an RFI only and not a solicitation for bids, proposals, or qualifications.

No award, contract, lease, sale, or other commitment will be made because of this RFI.

Responses are voluntary and non-binding.-binding.

The Borough may use information received to inform a future Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), negotiated disposition, or other competitive or non-competitive process, subject to Borough approvals and applicable law.

2. BACKGROUND

MSB maintains a diverse portfolio of Borough owned lands with varying parcel sizes, zoning and land use characteristics, and access to transportation and utilities. The Borough is evaluating opportunities to activate suitable parcels for energy intensive users that can leverage regional advantages, including:-owned lands with varying parcel sizes, zoning and land use characteristics, and access to transportation and utilities. The Borough is evaluating opportunities to activate suitable parcels for energy-intensive users that can leverage regional advantages, including:

Competitive and scalable power availability

Cold weather and ambient cooling opportunities-weather and ambient cooling opportunities

Access to fiber and telecommunications infrastructure

Proximity to transportation assets, including highways, rail, and port facilities

All potential development must conform to local land use requirements, environmental protections, and community priorities.

3. RFI OBJECTIVES

Through this RFI, MSB seeks information to:

1. Gauge private sector interest in siting data centers and other large power users on MSB owned lands.-sector interest in siting data centers and other large power users on MSB-owned lands.

2. Identify technical, utility, and site selection criteria, including:

o Power capacity, reliability, redundancy, and phasing o Fiber routes, latency requirements, and carrier diversity o Cooling strategies and water requirements o Land footprint and expansion needs

3. Understand development and transaction models, such as:

o Ground lease o Build to suit-to-suit o Public-private partnership-private partnership o Phased or campus-style development-style development

4. Assess typical development timelines, permitting pathways, and investment horizons.

5. Clarify community and environmental considerations, including noise, visual mitigation, emissions, heat reuse, traffic, and resilience.

6. Inform the structure, scope, and evaluation criteria of a potential future competitive process.

4. POTENTIAL SITES

At this stage, the Borough may consider multiple MSB owned parcels across different areas.-owned parcels across different areas.

The RFI is not limited to a single site unless otherwise specified in a future solicitation.

Respondents may describe general site characteristics required for their project or identify interest in particular types of locations (e.g., industrial lands, port adjacent lands, large contiguous tracts).-adjacent lands, large contiguous tracts).

The Borough may, at its discretion, provide additional site specific information through addenda or in a subsequent RFP/RFQ.-specific information through addenda or in a subsequent RFP/RFQ.

5. REQUESTED INFORMATION FROM RESPONDENTS

Respondents are requested to provide concise but informative responses to the following sections. MSB encourages clarity over volume.

5.1 Respondent Information

Company name, address, and primary contact

Legal structure and years in operation

Relevant experience with similar facilities (size, power load, location)

Development, ownership, and operating roles (if part of a team)

5.2 Project Description

Description of proposed facility type(s)

Target market or use case (if applicable)

Estimated facility size (square footage and/or acres)

Expected phasing or expansion potential

5.3 Power & Utilities Requirements

Initial and ultimate power demand (MW)

Power quality, redundancy, and reliability expectations

Water requirements (if any)

Other utility needs

5.4 Site Requirements

Minimum and preferred land area

Topographic or geotechnical considerations

Setbacks, buffers, or security needs

Transportation access requirements

5.5 Development & Transaction Model

Preferred land arrangement (ground lease, purchase, partnership, etc.)

Typical lease terms or ownership horizon

Willingness to consider phased development

General approach to financing (no proprietary details required)

5.6 Schedule

Typical timeline from site control to operations

Key permitting or entitlement milestones

Factors that materially affect schedule

5.7 Workforce & Economic Impact

Estimated construction and permanent employment

Workforce skill requirements

Opportunities for local hiring or training partnerships

5.8 Additional Information

Any unique considerations MSB should be aware of

Suggestions for structuring a future RFP/RFQ

6. RESPONSE FORMAT & SUBMISSION

6.1 Format

Electronic submission (PDF preferred)

Maximum length: 25 pages, excluding appendices

Clearly label each section corresponding to Section 5 above

Interest can also be communicated through a meeting in lieu of written documentation

6.2 Submission Deadline

This is an open ended RFI with no scheduled closure date. Additional data may be added as additional sites are identified. Interested parties are encourages to contact the MSB to be included in future updates.

6.3 Submission Method

Email Rustin.Krafft@matsu.gov

6.4 Questions

Email Rustin.Krafft@matsu.gov

7. EVALUATION AND USE OF INFORMATION

Responses will be reviewed by Borough staff for informational purposes only.

MSB may use the information to:

Refine site selection criteria

Identify candidate sites for further study

Develop future solicitation documents

Inform policy discussions and decision-making-making

Enter into direct negotiations with interested parties

8. CONDITIONS AND DISCLAIMERS

Submission of a response does not create any obligation on the part of MSB.

MSB reserves the right to:

o Modify or cancel this RFI o Request additional information o Conduct follow up discussions with respondents-up discussions with respondents

All costs associated with responding to this RFI are the sole responsibility of the respondent.

Responses may be subject to public disclosure in accordance with Alaska public records laws.

9. ANTICIPATED NEXT STEPS (NON-BINDING)

Following review of RFI responses, MSB may consider:

Issuing a targeted RFP or RFQ

Conducting site specific feasibility analyses-specific feasibility analyses

Engaging stakeholders and advisory bodies

Advancing land disposition or partnership options consistent with Borough authority

SECTION II

DISCOVER MAT-SU

MATANUSKA–SUSITNA BOROUGH

Alaska’s Fastest‑Growing Region | Opportunity, Lifestyle & Advantage

Discover the Mat‑Su Borough Located just 35 miles north of Anchorage, the Matanuska–Susitna Borough sits at the heart of

Southcentral Alaska—close enough for convenience, yet far enough to maintain its signature small‑town character. Known collectively as the Mat‑Su Valley, Palmer and Wasilla anchor a thriving region surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, and more than 25,000 square miles of unmatched Alaskan beauty.

With three incorporated cities, 21 community councils, and rapidly expanding residential and commercial sectors, the Mat‑Su Borough offers both quality of life and high‑growth economic opportunity.

A Rich History & Cultural Legacy

First Nations Influence

Long before modern settlement, the Dena’ina and Ahtna Athabascan peoples thrived here, navigating extensive waterways and trails and living a subsistence lifestyle shaped by glaciers, valleys, and abundant resources.

Modern Development

• Palmer: Born from a 1935 New Deal agricultural colony, now Alaska’s agricultural hub.

• Wasilla: Established as a railroad outpost supporting miners in the early 1900s—today the region’s commerce center.

• Talkeetna: A historic trading post evolved into a world‑renowned tourism destination and gateway to Denali.

Smaller communities like Sutton and Chickaloon grew around coal development and remain closely tied to the region’s natural resource heritage.

Government & Regional Leadership The Borough was incorporated in 1964 and is governed by a seven‑member Assembly and a

Mayor elected at large. A Borough Manager, Planning Commission, Platting Board, and advisory committees support streamlined and business‑friendly governance.

Key Borough Powers

• Areawide Services: Education, planning & zoning, recreation, transportation, emergency medical services, air quality, historic preservation, and more.

• Non‑Areawide Services: Solid waste, libraries, economic development, animal control, roads

& trails, and emergency communications.

• Service Areas: 30 active districts offering tailored support for water, sewer, fire protection, flood control, and roads.

With minimal permitting requirements, no zoning outside of cities, and the ability to streamline

Conditional Use Permits, the Mat‑Su Borough minimizes red tape and supports responsible development.

Population & Workforce The Mat‑Su Borough is Alaska’s fastest‑growing region with an estimated 2025 population of

111,752, up 25.6% from 2010. Growth is driven by affordability, quality of life, and proximity to

Anchorage.

2025 Estimated Populations

• Mat‑Su Borough: 111,752

• Wasilla: 9,547

• Palmer: 5,936

• Houston: 2,046

Nearly one‑third of residents commute to Anchorage, supporting a large, diverse labor pool with skills in government, construction, transportation, retail, health care, agriculture, and natural resources.

Climate & Environment

• Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AST)

• Average March Conditions: 32°F highs / 15°F lows, ~12 hours of daylight—ideal for winter recreation and events.

A Vibrant Community & Event Destination

• Alaska State Fair – 100,000+ attendees annually

• Colony Days & Colony Christmas – signature Palmer festivities

• Iditarod Restart in Willow – global visitor draw

• Wasilla Fourth of July Celebration – 10,000+ attendees

• Statewide high school championships, Nordic ski meets, and more

The region also boasts a strong arts culture with venues like the Glenn Massay Theater, Sheldon

Community Arts Hangar, and Valley Performing Arts.

Economic Strength & Development Momentum The Mat‑Su Borough has enjoyed four decades of continuous growth, driven by migration, strategic investment, and public‑private partnerships. Jobs grew 3% from 2022–2023, and total wages increased 9%.

Major Growth Sectors

• Healthcare & specialized medical services

• Retail & commercial development

• Transportation & logistics

• Tourism & outdoor recreation

• Residential construction & real estate

• Resource development (coal, timber, natural gas)

Signature Developments

• The Shoppes at Sun Mountain: 32‑acre retail, office, and residential mixed‑use development featuring major national brands and local businesses.

• Seward‑Meridian Medical Corridor: Expanded specialty medical services and a major Alaska

Native health facility expansion.

• Port MacKenzie: A deep‑water industrial port with 9,000 acres of developable land and a near‑completed 32‑mile rail extension corridor.

• Arctic Winter Games (2024 Host): Demonstrating capacity for global‑scale events.

Incentives That Accelerate Business Under Borough Code 26.05.040, qualifying developments may access powerful economic tools:

• Site development assistance

• Industrial revenue bond financing

• Tax increment financing

• Job training reimbursements

• Fast‑track permitting

• Sale or lease of Borough land below fair market value

• Project financial participation

• Property tax deferrals (up to 5 years)

• Graduated property tax exemptions (up to 50% in year one)

These incentives are designed to reduce barriers, support capital investment, and encourage job creation.

Tourism & Recreation

Gateway to Denali National Park

With 30% of Denali National Park within its borders and 450,000+ annual visitors, the Borough is a major entry point for Alaska’s premier destination. A new South Denali Visitor Center aims to draw an additional 250,000–300,000 visitors annually.

Outdoor Assets

• Government Peak Recreation Area

• Extensive ski, hike, and multi‑use trails

• Settlers Bay Coastal Park—one of the fastest‑growing recreation hubs

• Hatcher Pass ski area development, now operational with ongoing improvements

The Opportunity Ahead From large‑scale infrastructure to rapid commercial expansion, the Mat‑Su Borough is uniquely positioned as Alaska’s growth engine. With strategic public investment, streamlined government processes, and a thriving workforce, the region offers unmatched potential for developers, investors, and businesses seeking a strong future in Alaska.

SECTION III

CURRENT IDENTIFIED PARCELS

21 22

S Burma Rd

S Hamm er

Cir

S Fa rm er s R d

W Carpenter Lk Rd

W Ayrshire Ave

W Little Su River Rd

16N05W26A002 125 Acres

16N05W23B001 27 Acres

16N05W36D002 150 Acres

16N05W36C001 60 Acres

16N05W36A003 160 Acres

16N05W36B001 120 Acres

16N05W26D001 58 Acres

16N05W26C001 74 Acres

16N05W26B001 139 Acres

16N05W25A001 606 Acres

16N05W23D001 160 Acres16N05W23C002

84 Acres

16N05W23A002 160 Acres

AGENCY

641 Acres

Ayrshire North Area

Map Produced by MSB IT/GIS Division: 2/3/2026

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Miles

Land of Interest Cadastral Parcels

Roads

This map is solely for informational purposes only. The Borough makes no express or implied warranties with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the map or the suitability of the map for any particular purpose beyond those originally intended by the Borough. For information regarding the full disclaimer and policies related to acceptable uses of this map, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough GIS Division at 907-861-7858.

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ANCHORAGE

TALKEETNA

PALMERWASILLA

FAIRBANKS

Map Extent

Distance To:

Fairbanks: 334.305 miles Anchorage: 69.040 miles

Wasilla: 26.286 miles Pt. Mac: 17.622 miles

0 25 50 Miles

Matanuska - Susitna

Borough

(Boundary)

Total Area available in Ayrshire North:

2563.69 Acres

2324252627

3536373839

444546474849

Fish C reek

16N06W10A003 2 Acres

16N06W12B002 2 Acres

16N06W13A001 640 Acres

16N06W15A002 320 Acres

16N06W15B001 152 Acres

16N06W16A002 117 Acres

16N06W16B001 84 Acres

16N06W12D002 79 Acres

16N06W09D002 109 Acres

16N06W10C002 134 Acres

16N06W09C002 119 Acres

16N06W12D001 61 Acres

16N06W12C001 7 Acres

16N06W12C002 142 Acres

16N06W11C001 320 Acres

16N06W10D001 156 Acres

16N06W10C001 11 Acres16N06W09D001

33 Acres

16N06W09C001 23 Acres

16N06W11B002 20 Acres

16N06W11A003 31 Acres

16N06W12A002 160 Acres

16N06W11A002 110 Acres

16N06W11B001 125 Acres16N06W10B001

160 Acres 16N06W09A002

160 Acres 16N06W09B001

159 Acres

Fish Creek Area

Map Produced by MSB IT/GIS Division: 2/3/2026

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Miles

Land of Interest Cadastral Parcels

This map is solely for informational purposes only. The Borough makes no express or implied warranties with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the map or the suitability of the map for any particular purpose beyond those originally intended by the Borough. For information regarding the full disclaimer and policies related to acceptable uses of this map, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough GIS Division at 907-861-7858.

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ANCHORAGE

TALKEETNA

PALMERWASILLA

FAIRBANKS

Map Extent

Distance To:

Fairbanks: 342.505 miles Anchorage: 77.240 miles

Wasilla: 34.486 miles Pt. Mac: 25.822 miles

0 25 50 Miles

Matanuska - Susitna

Borough

(Boundary)

Total Area available in Fish Creek:

3435.34 Acres

W Donahue Ave

W Steve Ziegler Rd

W Heifer D r

W Reddane Ave

S D on ah ue P ar k

St

N N irvana C ir

S M ar y

Jo la yn e

C ir

W Alsop Rd

S M er le ne L n W Holstein Ave

S Dairy Lo op

S Rex Bell Rd

W Point M acKenzie Rd

6313000T0A-1-A

Acres

15N04W35B002 292 Acres

6313000T00A-2 601 Acres

6980000T003B 9 Acres

6822000T002 30 Acres

15N04W26B001 159 Acres

6822000T00A 963 Acres

15N04W21C001 321 Acres

Goose Creek Area

Map Produced by MSB IT/GIS Division: 2/3/2026

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Miles

Land of Interest Cadastral Parcels

Roads Mileposts

This map is solely for informational purposes only. The Borough makes no express or implied warranties with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the map or the suitability of the map for any particular purpose beyond those originally intended by the Borough. For information regarding the full disclaimer and policies related to acceptable uses of this map, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough GIS Division at 907-861-7858.

Pa th

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ANCHORAGE

TALKEETNA

PALMERWASILLA

FAIRBANKS

Map Extent

Distance To:

Fairbanks: 337.156 miles Anchorage: 71.891 miles

Wasilla: 29.137 miles Pt. Mac: 10.019 miles

0 25 50 Miles

Matanuska - Susitna

Borough

(Boundary)

Total Area available in Goose Creek:

2646.47 Acres

W Kl ut in a Dr

W Norcr os s

St

S Preston Hills Dr

S A ndrea D r

W Halston Ave

W Sunset Ave

S Po nd L ily L n

W Dawn

La ke

Ct

S Lo yd s

C ir

S Hil lrise Cir

S Ed su lu

St S

G uy ze r

R d

S Nellie Dr

W K lu an e D r

W Trails End St

S Preflight W ay

S Whitnni St

W Carmel Rd

W Dusk Lake Loop

W Aero Ln

W Klondike Dr

W Dahlmann Ave

W Sheashona Dr

S C on ov er

C ir

W Glacier Peak Dr

W Welker Dr

S D ic ke rs on

S t

W Aircraft Ct W Hughes Homestead Rd

W Arctic Orchid Ln

W Tofson Ave

S Dawn Lake Dr

S Jo hn so ns R d

W Hollywood Rd

Fish Creek

6399S25T00B 155 Acres

17N03W35A001 555 Acres

6399S25D004 40 Acres

6399S25D003 43 Acres

3164000T00A-2 118 Acres

17N03W26C002 320 Acres

Hollywood Rd Area

Map Produced by MSB IT/GIS Division: 2/3/2026

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Miles

Land of Interest Cadastral Parcels

Roads

This map is solely for informational purposes only. The Borough makes no express or implied warranties with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the map or the suitability of the map for any particular purpose beyond those originally intended by the Borough. For information regarding the full disclaimer and policies related to acceptable uses of this map, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough GIS Division at 907-861-7858.

Pa th

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ANCHORAGE

TALKEETNA

PALMERWASILLA

FAIRBANKS

Map Extent

Distance To:

Fairbanks: 318.212 miles Anchorage: 54.237 miles

Wasilla: 11.482 miles Pt. Mac: 38.500 miles

0 25 50 Miles

Matanuska - Susitna

Borough

(Boundary)

Total Area available off Hollywood Rd:

1230.82 Acres

SECTION IV

MAT-SU ANNUAL REPORT

A copy of the 2025 Matanuska-Susitna Annual Performance report can be viewed at the following link:

2025 Performance Report https://indd.adobe.com/view/46ffe14b-21d7-4da7-9184-81719099833c

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .