The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is proposing to transfer approximately 19,950 acres of state land near Houston to AIDEA at no cost.
AIDEA envisions a large industrial and energy district that could include scalable data centers, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, energy and utility infrastructure, gravel extraction, rail-related development, and workforce housing.
The proposal would also reclassify about 15,100 acres currently managed for forestry, habitat, water resources, and other uses as “Settlement” land. The area includes forests, streams, public trails, and roughly 7,385 acres of wetlands. DNR acknowledges potential impacts to public access, fish and wildlife habitat, water resources, and timber lands.
View the map: Vicinity-Map-ADL-234762.jpg
The area includes forests, wetlands, streams, trails, and public recreation areas. AIDEA’s own analysis estimates that about 37% of the site is wetlands. DNR also acknowledges possible impacts to public access, fish and wildlife habitat, water resources, and timber lands.
AIDEA has not identified specific tenants, firm job numbers, energy needs, water use, or a detailed buildout plan. Once transferred, the land would no longer be managed as state land under the Alaska Land Act.
The public should ask whether the state should permanently transfer nearly 20,000 acres before Alaskans know what will be built, who will benefit, and what the long-term impacts will be.
Written comments are due by: 5:00 p.m., August 19, 2026
Reference: ADL 234762 – Proposed Noncompetitive Sale to AIDEA
Read the documents:
Get involved
Community leaders in Fairbanks, Mat-Su, and Anchorage are organizing to raise awareness and advocate for transparency and public accountability around proposed data center development in Alaska.
You can get involved by:
- Submitting comments on the Houston land transfer.
- Joining a local community group or upcoming gathering.
- Sharing information with neighbors and local decision-makers.
- Asking questions about energy use, water, public subsidies, environmental impacts, and community benefits.
- For additional commenting resources, please visit: https://www.badaidea.org/take-action-comment-on-adl-234762/