Sitka Community Boatyard

3/19/24:

The City of Sitka has submitted all boatyard construction permits and has selected a general contractor to construct the haul out through a competitive bid process.  Western Marine, which is the same contractor that was working with the Sitka Community Boatyard Group a year ago on this same project, secured the bid.  They are highly experienced, know the job site, and overall a great contractor to carry the project forward.  If all goes according to plan (e.g., permits are issued on time) the boatyard will be operational by March 2025.   

The City is still short funding for the necessary electrical upgrade at the boatyard site but intends to apply for a Denali Commission grant to support that part of the project.  The City will also be opening a request for proposals to operate the yard in the next month and intends to include clear criteria and expectations for yard operation in that request. 

Stay tuned for updates on this critical working waterfront infrastructure!

12/14/23:

Click here to view: Frequently asked questions and Update - Provided by Jeremy Serka

Jeremy is closely involved with the development of the Sitka Community Boatyard and working with ALFA and the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust to ensure fishermen and marine trade professionals stay up to date and engaged.

10/17/22:

Prop 2 has passed!

79.9% of election day ballots were cast in favor of Prop 2. THANK YOU for supporting Sitka's economic future.

Here are the official numbers breakdown on Prop 2:

Yes votes: 1225

No votes: 309

Results will be finalized after the 800 absentee ballots are counted on Friday. We look forward to sharing more news of this historic election.

Why a community boatyard in Sitka?

To grow Sitka’s economy, we need public infrastructure that generates high-value economic activity every day of the year. A community boatyard, built on one of our town’s most underutilized resources—the tidelands—will accomplish this by serving local and out-of-town vessels of all sizes, year-round. Specifically, a community boatyard will:

• Generate economic activity citywide (SEE MORE)

• Provide high-paying, year-round jobs for local workers

•  Offer apprenticeships and entry-level employment in the trades for young people

• Support existing local businesses and pave the way for new ventures

• Raise revenue to fund roads, schools, public safety, and other essential services

In addition to being a high-value economic engine, a community boatyard will:

• Keep the vessels Sitka relies on—recreational boats (including sailboats and liveaboards), commercial boats (including non-fishing vessel workboats and tenders), and charter boats (including multi-day charter vessels, guided hunting vessels, and sightseeing/eco tour vessels)—operating safely and in a condition that preserves their value

• Save local vessel operators the time and expense of traveling outside Sitka for maintenance and repair work. As a major bonus, dollars spent on such activities at Sitka's community boatyard will support our local economy rather than being diverted.

Where will initial funding from the boatyard come from?

Proceeds from the sale of Sitka Community Hospital, not to exceed $8.18 million, will be used to build the boatyard. The City is actively seeking grants to defray expenses, so the final out of pocket cost may be less.  

How will the boatyard be funded long term?

Vessels will pay to access the facility, and these revenues will be used to fund ongoing boatyard operations.

Who will operate the boatyard?

The City of Sitka will hire an experienced local contractor to manage the boatyard.

What kind of boats will use the boatyard?

Boats of various sizes will use the boatyard, including recreational and commercial fishing vessels, sailboats, yachts, workboats, tenders, and multi-day charter vessels used for hunting, fishing, ecotours, and sightseeing. Local boats will have access to the boatyard, but the facility will also be open to those from surrounding communities and down South, creating a new source of outside revenue for Sitka.

What kind of work will be done at the boatyard?

Both small and large boats will be hauled out for repairs, cleaning and painting, maintenance, upgrades, and surveys. In addition, the yard will be open for vessels that require space for welding, hydraulics installation and repair, fiberglass construction and repair, plank replacements, and fabrication work. The boatyard will be built to environmental standards that protect our tidelands and waterways. 

Will vessels from other communities use the boatyard?

Yes. Commercial and pleasure craft from surrounding communities and down south will have access to the facility. By doing maintenance and repair in Sitka’s community boatyard, every boat—whether homeported locally or out of town—will help grow our economy.

Doesn't Sitka already have a boatyard?

Sitka’s former boatyard, Halibut Point Marine Services, closed in 2021 and was replaced by a cruise ship terminal. The city grid, situated on Katlian Street is not suited to serve as a replacement for a boatyard nor is it a feasible option for many vessels as tidal restrictions create narrow windows of use.

Where do Sitka-based boats go now?

Local boats must travel to outside communities for major maintenance and repair work—each one funneling away thousands of dollars that would otherwise be used to grow Sitka's economy.

I don't own a boat. How will I benefit from the boatyard? 

Boatyards cause a ripple effect of high-dollar economic activity that creates jobs, supports local businesses, and generates city revenue needed to fund roads, schools, public safety, and essential infrastructure. Here is a list of business sectors where boats undergoing maintenance and repair regularly spend money: SEE LIST