FRANKLYWNOW - State looks for Palmer slaughterhouse buyer, offers cheap lease

The State of Alaska wants out of the meat processing business. Monday, the Division of Agriculture put out a request for proposals for a private operator to take over the Mount Mckinley Meat and Sausage Plant in Palmer.

Legislators have tentatively agreed to fund the state-run slaughterhouse for another year. The $2,047,500 doesn’t come from the state’s operating budget, but from the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund, although it still needs legislative approval.

According to a press release from the Department of Natural Resources, the state is offering a five-year lease with an option to buy the plant. Rent for the first two years will be $1 per month. The Department said the low rent is necessary because the new operators will have to make major investments if they want to turn the money-losing plant around.

State officials said they have lost roughly $100,000 per year for at least the last few years. They’re hoping someone will buy the plant to relieve state costs.

KTVA 11’s Lauren Maxwell can be reached via email or on Twitter.

The post State looks for Palmer slaughterhouse buyer, offers cheap lease appeared first on KTVA 11.