link to sitka webcam

sawmill cove link

Sitka Marine directory link

link to bulk water sales Sitka Alaska

community ride bus link

web cams link

 

Transportation and Infrastructure

Goal

Support infrastructure maintenance and improvement to meet the needs of the community.

Develop the airport to serve as a regional center for Southeast Alaska to include aircraft maintenance, passenger and freight operations and support services in partnership with the State of Alaska and private businesses.

Actions

  1. Develop an additional harbor/marina.
  2. Develop a floatplane dock.
  3. Expand public transit services to Sawmill Cove Industrial Park.
  4. Maintain an adequate level of AMHS ferry service.
  5. Promote and assist in strengthening Sitka’s telecommunication infrastructure and other emerging technologies (i.e. fiber optics).
  6. Unify Borough, Sitka Tribe and SEARHC transportation goals.
  7. Organize a Northern Panhandle transportation summit meeting.

Airport

Ferry

ISSUE: State financial support for the AMHS is at risk. A basic level of state support should be defined to provide certainty and fulfill government’s role to provide public highway service in Southeast Alaska. Regional private or public ferry systems, ferry terminals and roads will likely each be a part of a long term sustainable system. Several alternative concepts exist; all must meet the challenge of working out labor issues and contracts.  Sitka’s ferry related economic development and cultural needs are to:
    • Improve service to and from Juneau so residents can catch the mainline ferry, student athletes can travel for school sports (Sunday ferry from Juneau to Sitka especially needed), and to improve access to the capital and the region’s largest city and ‘big box’ retail center.
    • Improve service to and from surrounding communities so patients can easily get to SEARHC, to facilitate cultural exchange, and allow Sitka to better serve as a regional shopping hub.
    • Facilitate transport of fresh fish to the road system.
    • Facilitate visitor access, especially those with vehicles.
    • Support Allen Marine, a major Sitka business.    
    • Research options for a road across Baranof Island.  Include meetings with SCS and STA to determine their concerns.  Alaska Railroad and DOT.
    • Facilitate meetings that explore alternative public marine transportation solutions.
    • Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a Port Authority for a Sitka based ferry.

Status

SEDA has participated in meetings and teleconferences with Alaska Marine Highway System representatives regarding ferry service for Sitka. The Executive Director participated in planning meetings related to rennovation and expansion of the airport. SEDA will continue to participate in planning and advocating for improved transportation for Sitka as opportunities arise.
Sitka Airport Expansion Plan

Research was completed on the potential benefits of establishing a Port Authority that would include the Sitka Airport. A well structured PortAuthority would create a more efficient and effective means to develop Sitka's transportation system. However, other Alaska communities that have attempted to create a PA have been unsucessful due to a lack of voter support.

Research has begun on the various options to build a road across Baranof Island and connect to the main-line AMHS ferry route. The Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan provides background on two options: a coastal road to Rodman Bay and a shorter route through the mountains to Warm Springs Bay. Both options have significant problems that need be addressed. OR a better option needs to be identified.