(Juneau) - Representative Mark Neuman (R-Mat-Su) was pleased to be part of securing a commitment for the new Mat-Su West Trooper Post.

The new post, set to open in late August 2006 would provide space for approximately 31 personnel, including troopers, investigators, supervisors and clerks. The 11,000 square foot building would also have a large garage, evidence processing facilities, interview rooms and a training/briefing room.

"This is great news for our community," said Representative Neuman. "Having a strong Trooper presence in the district will help to cut down on crime and improve the response times on call outs. With this new Trooper detachment north of Wasilla, I suspect it will add to individual peace of mind and improve property values as well."

Recent numbers released by the Alaska State Trooper indicate that in the last five years the stretch of road just south of Wasilla to the Big Lake cutoff far surpasses even the Seward Highway in injuries and fatalities (732 combined). Representative Neuman noted, "When you take out that section of the Parks Highway running through Wasilla, you understand how small a stretch of road we're dealing with. Yet over the last five years, according to the numbers released by the Alaska State Troopers, it has the highest number of injuries and fatalities in the State of Alaska. I expect that the increased presence by the Troopers will have an impact on these accidents making driving in the area safer."

The ADA compliant facility will be located near the intersection of Pittman Road and the Parks Highway.

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