Economic Opportunities
Actively seeking further diversification and responsible economic growth, SEDA is working with local business people as well as outside entrepreneurs to develop new economic opportunties. Sitka is open for business, with attractive incentive packages for new or expanding businesses and local professionals dedicated to making our community a desired business location.Sheldon Jackson College Campus
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The Sitka Fine Arts Camp has taken ownership of the core camps and is open to interest from other entities that would like to use a portion of the campus. CONTACT: Sitka Fine Arts Camp Phone: 907-747-3085 Address: PO Box 3086, Sitka, AK 99835 CLICK HERE for more information about the campus. |
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Water
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Sitka has a permit to export 17 million gallons per day of fresh water from Blue Lake. This is super water from an alpine lake fed by snow melt and abundant rainfall. A completed bulk water pipeline ends at the shoreline of Silver Bay, ready and waiting to transfer water. CLICK HERE to learn more about this bulk water opportunity. |
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Marine Industry Services
| Sitka is the largest boating community in Alaska and needs covered moorage space for 300+ local boats currently on a wait list for permanent moorage space. Another 800 transient pleasure boats visit Sitka each summer including high end yachts such as the Ice Bear, seen in the photo berthed next to a commercial fishing vessel. CLICK HERE to learn more. |  |
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There is also potential for development of a comprehensive boat repair facility at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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Seafood
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In 2009, Sitka ranked as the 9th largest port in the United States for the ex-vessel value of seafood harvested. Most of the favorite edible seafood species found in Alaska, can be harvested in Sitka waters; including ling cod, shrimp, scallops, and several varieties of crab. Learn more about Sitka Seafood |
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Forest
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The Tongass National Forest is Sitka's back yard. The US Forest Service has an office in Sitka and is currently working with the community and interested businesses to develop a plan for utilization of timber that will be harvested during thinning of second growth forests. This project is designed to improve forest health and will provide a sustainable quantity of wood that could be used for a wood-based product. |
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Energy
| Sitka has great potential for renewable energy development. Hydroelectric power is already on-line with plans for a major expansion project in the next few years. Baranof Island has known geothermal activity with more to be discovered. The power of waves and tidal currents of the Pacific Ocean has yet to be explored. The US Forest Service is planning selective thinning of second growth forests to improve habitat and forest health while making biomass available for conversion into an energy resource. |  |
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Location
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Sitka is on the Great Circle route between the United States and Asia making it an ideal location for a deepwater port that could tie in with cargo traffic from the new Port of Prince Rupert. Shipping bulk-water from Sitka to Asia is one possibility. Companies with products that require water intensive manufacturing with export to Asia and North America should consider Sitka as a business location. |
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Wildlife & Natural Beauty
| Eco-tourism is a growing business and Sitka is the destination for travelers interested in a genuine outdoor experience. Design your tour company around Sitka's wildlife and scenic resources. Abundant populations of brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, humpback whales, seals, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, ravens, herons, swans, and many species of water fowl, including the tufted puffin, are within easy viewing range from Sitka. And an extensive network of well-maintained trails provides intimate access to the Tongass National Forest. |
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History & Culture
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Another growing segment of the travel industry is heritage and cultural tourism. Native Alaskan, Russian, Colonial American, and World War II history and culture, make Sitka a great location for this new brand of tourism. The third annual Heritage and Cultural Tourism Conference will be held in Sitka March 31st through April 2nd, 2009.
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