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:
This is a partial list of SEDA’s recent and on-going activities. If you would like to learn more about any of these projects or issues, please visit our website: www.sitka.net or call 747-2660.
NOTE: “CP” notations refer to sections of the 2007 CBS Comprehensive Plan
SEDA:
Is assisting the City Electrical Department with issues related to hydro-electric power generation. Efforts include: increasing public awareness about Sitka’s hydro-electric capacity and the costs of diesel power generation, conducting a residential electricity use survey to better assess the trend in electricity demand, looking at opportunities to train local contractors for weatherization and energy efficiency projects, and advocating for funding and legislative support for the Blue Lake dam expansion project. (CP 2.1.16)
Is participating in the Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Plan being developed by the U.S. Forest Service. (CP 2.4.14; 2.8.5; 2.13.)
Is working with several interested parties to develop a fish waste processing plant. Organized meetings and is participating with stakeholders to identify potential utilization of Sitka’s fish waste. (CP 2.1.2; 2.1.10; 2.1.13; 2.2)
Is advocating for the development of the Benchlands and affordable housing projects throughout Sitka. (CP 2.1.2; 2.1.23; 2.2.15; 2.2.16; 2.4.8; 2.5.1; 2.5.11; 2.10.3.B)
Assists various non-profit organizations (Sound Science Center, Sitka Conservation Society, and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Sitka Works, etc…) by providing letters of support for grant applications. (CP 2.1.6; 2.12.1; 2.12.2)
Regularly monitors grant opportunities and forwards information on these to the appropriate local organization that may qualify for funding. (CP 2.12.1; 2.12.2)
Tracks state and federal legislation that may affect Sitka, providing public testimony or written comment as needed. Recent legislative issues include: Alaska redistricting, FDA approval of genetically modified salmon, and the “Roadless Rule” as it pertains to Southeast Alaska hydro-electric projects. (CP 2.2.12)
Assists City staff by providing research data, drafting documents, and providing letters of support for special projects such as the application for Sitka to become a U.S. Coast Guard City and the annual CBS Legislative Priorities List.
Continues to market and manage development of the Sawmill Cove Industrial Park. (CP 2.1.2; 2.1.10; 2.1.13; 2.2; 2.6.5)
Is participating in development of a strategic energy plan for Sitka and continues to advocate for the expansion of Blue Lake dam and development of a hydro-electric facility at Takatz Lake. (2.1.16; 2.2.1; 2.2.2; 2.2.14; 2.2.18; 2.2.20)
Continues to negotiate with companies for development of bulk water contracts with the City and Borough of Sitka. (CP 2.2.1; 2.2.9; 2.6.5.A; 2.6.5.D)
Continues to advocate for sufficient and reliable ferry service for Sitka. (CP 2.2.14; 2.3.18)
Continues to conduct research and make contacts with target companies that may consider establishing a presence in Sitka. (CP 2.1.2; 2.1.10; 2.1.13; 2.2)
Is participating in discussion and planning regarding the airport terminal remodel and expansion. (CP 2.1.15; 2.2.1; 2.2.20; 2.3.16; 2.6.3)
Is working with the City and Borough of Sitka and telecommunications providers to upgrade communications infrastructure in Sitka, and specifically for Sawmill Cove Industrial Park. (CP 2.2.7)
Collaborated with the Sitka Conservation Society to host an intern to identify sustainable capital flow opportunities for Sitka. (CP 2.1.2)
Drafted and released a solicitation for proposals for the development of a marine industrial center at Sawmill Cove. (CP 2.1.13; 2.2.2; 2.2.9; 2.2.18; 2.2.20; 2.3.12; 2.6.2; 2.6.5)
Facilitated meetings and provided staff support for the Sheldon Jackson Redevelopment Task Force. Provided staff support to the Sitka Sound Science Center in their effort to purchase the SAGE Building. (CP 2.1.10; 2.1.13; 2.2.6; 2.2.19; 2.9.A; 2.9.C; 2.9.E.)
Drafted a Request for Proposals for the sale of Lot 22 (Stores Building) at Sawmill Cove Industrial Park resulting in purchase of the property by Silver Bay Seafoods. (CP 2.1.2; 2.1.10; 2.1.13; 2.2; 2.6.5)
Actively pursues opportunities for public outreach and education related to economic development in Sitka. (CP 2.3.2; 2.9.C)
Continues to provide information and statistical data to residents, businesses and organizations upon request.
Conducted research on the need for senior housing and/or assisted living facilities. (CP 2.1.23; 2.5.2.D; 2.10.3.C.4)
Published the "Sitka Community Profile," a brochure, providing information on Sitka's demographics, economy, quality of life, and labor force. (CP 2.1.2; 2.3.2; 2.9.C)
Published "Sitka Marine Industries," a directory of local businesses providing marine parts and repair services. Also available on-line at: www.sitkamarine.com. (2.2.1; 2.2.2)
Continues to provide information on Sitka’s economy to the public via presentations and a quarterly newsletter “Sitka Trends.” (CP 2.3.2; 2.9.C)
Produces and maintains three web sites promoting Sitka as a location for business investment and providing information about Sitka:
NOTE: "CP" notations indicate the portion of the City's 2007 Comprehensive Plan related to the project.
