That plan died.

In the mid '90s Sun Valley developer Fred Rogers rolled out his vision of a new ski resort.

That plan died, too.

Last year, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly decided to test the private sector waters one more time to see if any developers might be interested in taking another look at what is undoubtedly one of Southcentral Alaska's most pristine destinations.

Mat-Su Borough Manager John Duffy recently announced that Anchorage-based JL Properties responded to the borough's request for proposals, and is moving forward with a plan to develop a ski resort on the footprint that Davis Developers first looked at four years ago.

"We are delighted that JL Properties wants to build in Hatcher Pass. And all preliminary indications show they're very serious about making this dream a reality," Duffy said.

According to Duffy, JL Properties has already assembled an impressive team.

"JL Properties informed us that they are consulting with a ski development firm out of Whistler, Colo. that has a proven record in ski resort design," said Duffy. "We have also been told that Bill Spencer, former U.S. Olympic Nordic Ski Team member, is part of the team looking at developing cross-country ski trails throughout the designated area."

Joining the Hatcher Pass ski area development team is a regional group of engineers and developers who know a lot about building in Southcentral Alaska.

"JL Properties brought in Davis Developers, Land Design North, Dowell Engineering, and Lounsbury Engineers. These firms have solid experience and solid track records," Duffy said.

The borough has also done a lot of pre-development work at the site. According to borough officials, a geo-technical study of the area has already been completed and critical infrastructure like electricity is being brought to the site right now.

"We're expecting to see a conceptual development plan some time in mid-March" said Duffy. He also made it a point that throughout the development process, there would be a number of community meetings to keep residents in the Hatcher Pass area up to date and involved in the development process.

"Our hope is to have a regional skiing venue that has the capacity to meet the needs of our community now, but have the ability to expand in order to meet the needs of the future," Duffy said.