HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaponski Boathouse letter SHPO twoMAY-15-03 THII 16:48 OHA FAX NO, 2698908 P.02
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FRANKH. AfVnKOWS►cI, GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 550 V1. 7rHAVENUE, SUirE 1310
ANCHORAGE. ALASKA 99aoi-35ff
DIVISION OF PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION PHONe., f9d7) 269.8721
OFFICE OF HISTORYAND ARCHAEOLOGY FAX (07) 269 890e
May 15, 2003
Re: 3330-5 Japonski island BoathousCfSitka Naval Operating.*8ase NHL
Joe Wallis
Chief of Grants
Save America's Treasures
Heritage Preservation Services
National Park Service
1201 "Eye„ Street, N,W.
Gt�' Floor (ORG, 2225)
Washington, D.C, 2005
Dear Mr, Wallis:
The Japonski Island. 13oatliouse is part of the Sitka Naval Operating Base & LT.S. Army
Coastal Defenses National Historic Landmark, one of America's most important historic
properties associated with the World War II in the Pacific. The Sitka Maritime Heritage
Society, Inc. project to rehabilitate the boathouse and establish a maritime museum will
preserve and protect this historic property. The project has the potential to be a primary
visitor attraction. contrihuting to Sitka's economy and telling the story of Sitka's World
War 11 and maritime heritage.
Last occupied and used over twenty years ago, the boathouse is in a Seriously threatened
condition. In 1996, the National Park Service deterininod the Sitka Naval Operating Base
a Priority I threatened landmark. Deterioration of the boathouse continues.
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society, Inc. took the initiative last year to work with the
City and Borough of Sitka and apply for a Historic Preservation Fund Certified Local
Government grant. They received a CLG grant to conduct a building assessment and
hazardous materials survey. This project is now underway and is an important first step
in the preservation of this unique building, The State Historic Preservat.inn Office is
working closely with the organization and anticipates assisting them with the
rehabilitation project, if funded.
I highly recommend this project for a Save America's Treasures grant. Thank you for
your consideration of Sitka Maritime Heritage Society, Inc.'s proposal.
Sincexe�l ,
q�adith E. Bittner
State Historic Preservation Officer