HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaponski Boathouse SHPO letter oneDEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
OFFICE OF HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
May 18, 2005
Re: 31304 Sitka Maritime Heritage Society
Keith Perkins, Area Director
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Program
201 Katlian St., #I09A
Sitka, Alaska 99835
Dear Mr. Perkins:
FRANK H. MORKOWSKI, GOVERNOR
550 W 7th Ave., SUITE 1310
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501-3565
PHONE (907} 269-8721
FAX: (907) 239-8908
Rebecca Poulson with the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society called and talked to me about the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's community facilities grant program. I hope the program can provide
financial assistance for the society's project to rehabilitate and use the Japonski Island Boathouse.
The boathouse is recognized as a significant historic property in Sitka as a contributing property
of the World War II in the Pacific, Sitka Naval Operating Base National Historic Landmark,
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society contacted me when they started investigating the
possibilities of rehabilitating and reusing the boathouse. Their approach has been logical and
methodical. Underscoring all of the planning has been preservation of the historic property. I am
very supportive of the project. The Office of History and Archaeology has made several small
grants to the City and Borough of Sitka and to the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society to prepare
condition assessments of the building and to plan for and begin rehabilitation. The projects have
been well managed and completed timely. I have found the recommendations in the assessments
and plans have been well thought out, clearly presented, and responsible.
The boathouse is a historic treasure and a wonderful resource for the community of Sitka.
Rehabilitation of the building is a big undertaking, however, and needs a number of partners. 1
hope it will be possible for the USDA Rural Development program to support the project.
Please contact me if I can provide additional information.
Sincerely,
Jzk,AA. S4)-
Judith E. Bittner
Lpk� State Historic Preservation Officer
Cc: Rebecca Poulson, Sitka Maritime Heritage Society, 107 Jeff Davis St., Sitka, Alaska 99835