HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaponski Boathouse Assembly Resolution 2009Sponsors: Stein/Hackett
Resolution 2009-51
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA, ALASKA SUPPORTING
THE SITKA MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY AND ITS GOAL OF REHABILITATING
THE JAPONSKI ISLAND BOATHOUSE AS A MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER
WHEREAS, the Maritime Heritage Center will preserve the stories and skills of a
generation of elders who lived and worked on the water. This history includes the story
of Sitka's Native leaders of the 20'h Century, who were nearly all boat builders and
fishermen; and
WHEREAS, Sitka's students will gain skills and confidence through hands-on boat and
canoe building and through learning about their own history; and
WHEREAS, the project adds a piece to Sitka's heritage infrastructure, making Sitka a
visitor destination for our authenticity, rich culture, spectacular and pristine natural
setting and abundant wildlife, as well as sport fishing. It a4so builds Sitka's marine
services sector through adding a facility and training for boat repair; and
WHEREAS, The boathouse will be a center of activity for the community to learn more
about and share our history, to learn new (and very old) skills, about boats and boating;
and
WHEREAS, this building is part of a National Historic Landmark, the designation for
sites significant to the Nation's history. It is one of the last wooden WWII buildings left in
Sitka, and one of the last of the wooden boat shops that once characterized
Southeastern Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Alaska's historic fishing fleet is unique in the world. This center will preserve
skills and subsidize repair work to keep this fleet vital for future generations; and
WHEREAS, visitors remark on the abundance of historic vessels in our harbors, and yet
there is no visitor information on them. This will be the first maritime heritage center, and
the first World War II interpretive center, in Southeastern Alaska.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Assembly of the City and Borough of
Sitka, Alaska that the municipality is supportive of the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society in
its goals to rehabilitate the Japonski Island Boathouse as a Maritime Heritage Center for
the many community benefits outlined above.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska
on this 10t" day of November 2009.
Scott McAdams, Mayor
ATTEST: ` - - y� -
Colleen Ingman, MMC
Municipal Cleric