HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaponski Boathouse Stedman letterALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
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Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
Ketchikan. AK 99901-6442
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ALAS
SENATOR BERT K. STEDMAN
May 16, 2004
Joseph T. Wallis
Chief, State, Tribal and Local Programs
Save America's Treasures
Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service
1201 Eye Street, NW
6th Floor (ORG. 2255)
Washington, D.C.20005
Dear Mr. Wallis:
We need your help. The Japonski Island Boathouse in Sitka, Alaska is of national
significance but is highly endangered. The Boathouse was part of Sitka's World War lI
Naval Operating Base and is located in the Army Coastal Defenses National Historic
Landmark. Tragically, many period buildings in and around the Landmark have been
torn down in recent years. The Boathouse has been vacant for over 20 years and we
don't afford to have it meet a similar fate.
Sitka's rich maritime heritage is well documented. To this day, the city is still only
accessible by air or by sea. Located on Baranof Island, it is a unique blend of Native
American, Russian and maritime culture unmatched anywhere on the West coast. The
Russians sailed into Sitka waters for the first time in 1799 and established the Russian
capital of territorial Alaska there. American military presence began in 1902 when the
Navy constructed a coaling station on Japonski Island. In 1937, the Navy established its
first Alaskan seaplane base in the same area. During World War 11, Sitka became an
integral part of American's coastal defense against the Japanese. The Japonski Island
Boathouse is one of the last original service buildings on the waterfront and is in danger
of disappearing.
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society is applying for a Save America's Treasures grant to
restore the Boathouse as a maritime museum and interpretive center for the Sitka Naval
Operating Base and Coastal Defenses Historic Landmark. The project has broad
community support. The Heritage Society is to be commended for the work they have
already done, including a hazardous materials survey, structural survey and a solid
business plan. Currently, they are completing a schematic design and are supervising a
Dis'i'micr A
Ketchikan • Sitka • Petersburg -Wrangell
Pelican • Elfirt Cove • Port Alexander ■ Saxinan • Meyers Chuck • 77w7je Bay • Coffman Cove • Hollis
Joseph Wallis Re: Save America's Treasures
May 16, 2004
Page 2
clean up of the building this summer. They continue to work closely with the City and
Borough of Sitka and state and national preservation organizations.
Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside city and has long been a favorite
port of call for visitors and cruise ship passengers, Its remote location, natural beauty
and rich history are ideal for the growing heritage tourism industry. Natural resource
jobs, once the backbone of the economy, are disappearing. Small -boat commercial
fishing continues to be a large part of the region's collective identity, but tourism is
becoming an important economic engine. This project promises to be a significant
component of the community's ongoing economic revitalization efforts.
The Japonski Island Boathouse is an important physical reminder of Sitka's significance
to military operations in Alaska and the critical role the Naval base played during
World War 11. It is an authentic piece of our nations cultural heritage and I strongly
recommend it be considered for a Save America's Treasures grant. Thank you for your
time and consideration.
Best regards,
7
Bert Stedman
Copy:
Rebecca Poulson
Sitka Maritime Heritage Society