HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaponski Boathouse letter ChamberFHE REATER SITKA
C.h,,i Or
OF COrnMERCE
329 Harbor Drive, Suite 212
Mail: PA, Box 638.Sitka, Alaska 99835
(907) 747-8604 • Fax (907) 747-7413
Senator Bert Stedman
Capital Building, Room 408
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
February 1, 201 d
Dear Mr. Stedman,
I am writing in support of a funding request from the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society to
rehabilitate the historic Japonski Island Boathouse as a Maritime Heritage Center.
The Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business and
community leaders, who promote, support and facilitate commerce and economic growth
in the community. To these ends, the Chamber is encouraged to see a group that has
organized itself for the purpose of rehabilitating a facility that will become an important
part of Sitka's culture and economy.
When completed, the Sitka Maritime Heritage Center will:
■ Presme and 'interpret a historic World War 11 building,
■ Educate Sitka students, through classes in boat building and repair,
■ Tell the story of Sitka's rich maritime culture and history,
■ ..Provide access to Sitka Sound for launching kayaks and rowboats,
i Bring visitors and students to Sitka, contributing to the local economy,
■ Serve as a pilot project for an alternative source of energy, with a planned ground -
source heat pump,
■ Contribute to local education through programs in the public schools and through
research into Sitka's history,
■ Further Sitka's reputation as an outstanding destination for history, culture,
natural beauty and abundant wildlife — contributing to the overall economy.
We strongly support the development of the Japonsk1 Island Boathouse as a Maritime
Heritage Center, and recommend a contribution of funding from the State of Alaska.
Sincerely,
Sheila Finkenbinder
Executive Director