Groundwork planned in Susitna basin

A construction contractor is seeking permits for work in the Susitna basin.

The work would support planned exploration by Cook Inlet Energy LLC, which has a number of natural gas prospects in the basin including Kroto Creek.

Cruz Construction Inc. has applied to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for permits to move heavy equipment cross-country, to conduct brushing up to 20 feet wide, and to install several bridges.

The permit applications include a map showing two proposed access route, one 17.7 miles long and the other 23.8 miles. The map indicates two proposed pads.

The applications say the work would start July 15.

The work could lead to gravel roads providing year-round access in the basin, where Cook Inlet Energy holds extensive exploration acreage with a number of gas prospects, said David Hall, the company’s chief executive.

The company had hoped to drill a well last winter at Kroto Creek, but warm weather precluded construction of an ice road, Hall said.

The hope now is to drill next winter, he said.

The Susitna basin is a huge and lightly explored area north of Anchorage and west of the Willow community.

Cook Inlet Energy is an Anchorage subsidiary of Tennessee-based Miller Energy Resources Inc.

- Wesley Loy