Eaglecrest Gondola Cost Triples, City Faces Tough Decisions

0:00Here's more Anchorage news for March 5th. A new estimate puts the cost to install the gondola at Eagle Cresky area at $27 million. That's more than three times the original projection of $10 to $15 million and exceeds what the city budgeted for the project. Earlier this week, Eagle Crest board member Jim Calvin shared the preliminary figure during a joint meeting with the Juno Assembly. The city bought the gondola equipment in 2022 for under $10 million, but costs have climbed due to extra parts rising. Construction prices and import tariffs. The ski area has long appended on city funds for upkeep and staff with years of delayed maintenance adding up. Leaders see the gondola as crucial to making Eagle Crest self-sustaining through year-round revenue. Assembly members had mixed reactions to the sticker shock. Some favor seeking more cash from local investors like Goldbelt Incorporated, which already put in $10 million for a revenue share. Others worry the huge number makes any

1:01path to stability. Tough. The board and assembly face tough choices. Like pushing forward or scrapping it despite $11 million already spent. A revenue deal requires the gondola running by May 2028, but that's looking unlikely now. They'll meet again on April 1st to decide next steps. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb in the bed and listen. S-O-L-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.COM