Sawmill Cove Industrial Park
SEDA has a contract with the City and Borough of Sitka to manage development of the Sawmill Cove Industrial Park (SCIP). There is a separate SCIP Board of Directors that advises the Assembly on SCIP issues. SEDA provides staff and office support for the SCIP Board and considers appropriate development of SCIP to be one of the best opportunities to diversify and stabilize Sitka's economy.
Goals
- Pursue economic development and productive use of property acquired from the former Alaska Pulp Corporation. (CP 2.5.5)
- Develop business opportunities and provide jobs by leasing or selling the Industrial Park property to individuals and businesses. (CP 2.5.6)
- Facilitate the availability of adequate land zoned for commercial, industrial and waterfront development. (CP 2.5.1)
- Enhance marine facilities at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park
Action
Develop a Marine Service CenterA marine industry survey was conducted in 2007 to determine unmet needs of local boat owners. The results of this survey along with additional research, and input from end user groups were used to draft a request for proposals to develop a marine service industry business at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park. The RFP was released on April 8, 2009 with propsals due on September 10, 2009. The RFP was advertised in several Alaska Newspapers, The Daily Shipping News, and sent directly to over 40 major marine service businesses on the West Coast.
Status: A proposal to develop a shipyard to serve vessels between 60' and 200' in length is currently being considered, however negotiations with a major shipyard to develop a shipyard have been put on hold.
Construct a Multi-purpose Dock
Construction of a multi-purpose dock at SCIP has been determined to be the first priority to support development of other projects at Sawmill Cove. Near-term uses include movement of equipment and supplies for the expansion of the Blue Lake dam. Transport via barge directly to Sawmill Cove, near the dam construction site, is more efficient than using large trucks on the newly re-paved Sawmill Creek Road. Additional uses include the movement of gravel for the Airport expansion project; shipment of bottled water in volume as the bottling plant ramps up production; bulk water exports; and the movement of timber and bio-fuel products.
- Secure funding for Phase I - construction of a bulkhead.
- Prepare information for public presentation and planning process.
- Conduct public participation and education meetings to determine support for Phase II construction of additional infrastructure that could include passenger vessel/cruise ship use.
- Advisory vote to secure public support.
- If approved by voters, secure funding for Phase II dock construction.
Status: No funding for SCIP waterfront development was included in the final FY2011 capital budget. There is $487,000 in Federal funding pending.
To learn more about activities at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park, please visit the SCIP website at www.sawmillcove.com.
CLICK HERE to download Power Point slides from the December 16, 2009 Chamber of Commerce luncheon. (PDF, 3.9 MB)
