SEDA Contributions to the Community of Sitka
SEDA Produces and maintaines three web sites promoting Sitka as a location for business investment and providing information about Sitka:www.sitka.net
www.sawmillcove.com
www.sitkamarine.com
SEDA also maintains a web cam that is accessed by current and former residents, prospective residents and visitors, nature enthusiasts and the simply curious.
SEDA publishes the bi-annual"Sitka Community Profile," a brochure, providing information on Sitka's demographics, economy, quality of life, and labor force. This is made available for free at the airport, Harrigan Centennial Hall, and City Hall.SEDA publishes "Sitka Marine Industries," a directory of local businesses providing marine parts and repair services. This is made available for free at the Harbors Department where harbor users, commercial and sports fishermen, and charter clients obtain information about local marine services.
Recent SEDA Projects Include:
Facilitating meetings and providing staff support for the redevelopment of Sheldon Jackson College campus. The goal is to put the core campus property back into productive use as an educational facility that will become a hub for vocational and technical training in Southeastern, Alaska, creating jobs and bringing revenues to the City. (CP 2.1.19)
Conducting research and making contacts with target companies that may consider establishing a presence in Sitka. A prerequisite is that such companies will not take market share from existing local businesses, but will create new family wage jobs and/or support the growth of existing business. (CP 1.1.13)
Actively pursuing opportunities for public outreach and education related to economic development in Sitka. This includes an annual presentation on the State of Sitka’s Economy, and presentations at Chamber of Commerce and Rotary luncheons.
Promoting the development of marine related and other industry at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park. (CP 2.5.5; CP 2.5.6)
Sale of Lot 22 (Stores Building) at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park via a request for proposals. This resulted in purchase of the property by Silver Bay Seafoods. The condition of the Stores Building required significant upgrades and repairs to bring it into leasable condition. Sale of the building released the City from financial liability and allows for the expansion of business activity at SCIP. (CP 2.5.5; CP 2.5.6)
Participating in development of a strategic energy plan for Sitka as part of the Sitka Energy Partnership. This includes advocating for recognition of alpine hydroelectric generation as renewable energy for the purpose of Federal funding. This is an ongoing project that includes potential development of a biomass heating and power system for Japonski Island. (CP 1.1.16)
Researching methods for funding construction of a multi-purpose dock at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park. Construction of a bulkhead dock is the first priority. The City would use such a facility for the movement of equipment and supplies during the Blue Lake hydroelectric expansion. Other uses include but are not limited: the export of raw and/or value added wood products (470 acres due to be cleared at Blue Lake), export of bulk and bottled water, movement of rock and gravel from a nearby quarry that could be developed, and the docking of research vessels (e.g. NOAA). There is potential for business related to the new container terminal at the Port of Prince Rupert. The bulkhead dock could be expanded in the future to accommodate docking of passenger vessels including a cruise ship if approved. (CP 2.5.5; CP 2.5.6)
Promoting the development of affordable housing. (CP 2.9.3.C.4.)
NOTE: "CP" notations indicate the portion of the City's 2007 Comprehensive Plan related to the project.
