HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of introductionBurro Creek Holdings
Box 271
Skagway Alaska
99840
October 8, 2008
Butch White, Grant Manager
Alaska Energy Authority
813 West Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Dear Mr. White,
Please find attached a renewable energy grant application for a study of the feasibility of
connecting the existing hydro system at Burro Creek to the Skagway power grid.
We are submitting for the early October 8, 2008 deadline because we are prepared to
begin the feasibility study immediately.
I am excited to have the opportunity to work with John Floreske, Owner and Manager of
Northern Construction of Haines, Alaska and his consultant Darrel Gene Maple, former
city manager of Haines. John is a master electrician and independent power producer and
has extensive experience with design and construction of hydro electric plants. Darrel
has assisted John in the study of feasibility, design development and permitting of these
hydro electric plants. Their résumé’s are attached.
Because Burro Creek is an existing hydro system and is located entirely on private land,
it is possible that some permitting hurdles may be avoided. Depending on the outcome of
the study and the level of upgrades required, it is feasible that an improved Burro Creek
system could be brought on line in a relatively shorter timeframe than other projects.
Key elements of the Burro Creek study will be determining if Burro Creek can assist with
the following needs:
1) Often in the late winter and early spring, Skagway must rely on diesel when the Goat
Lake and the Dewey Lakes hydro projects are not in operation. Burro Creek is a run-of-
river hydro system and traditionally the stream flows 12 months a year. The study will
determine if Burro Creek can assist in alleviating the community’s dependence on diesel
at these critical times of year.
2) Air pollution from the large cruise ships which dock in our port is becoming
increasingly an issue. The cruise lines have expressed a desire to hook up to shore power
but sufficient power is not available at present.
Because Burro Creek is an existing hydro system, we are moving directly to the
Feasibility Study and Conceptual Design phase of the grant process. In lieu of a
Reconnaissance Study, we are attaching a report entitled “Appropriate Technology
Report: Hydroelectric System at Burro Creek Farms, Inc. Skagway Alaska” written by
Gene Richards, former owner of Burro Creek. Captain Richards designed and built the
existing hydro system in part with a grant from the Alaska Energy Authority in 1983.
Since my purchase of Burro Creek in 2005, I have made significant upgrades to the
facility including rebuilding the dock and helicopter pad, hiring a scrap barge and tugboat
to remove over 100 tons of metal scrap from the premises, repairs and improvements to
the hydro pipeline, removal of outdated and run-down hatchery infrastructure and
remodeling of the log lodge building which Gene used as a residence during his 25 years
in Burro Creek.
I moved to Skagway in 1978 when I purchased the historic Red Onion Saloon, a major
visitor attraction in downtown historic district. In 1986 I constructed the Gold Rush Trail
Camp, a highly successful gold panning and salmon bake operation on the outskirts of
town. During these years, I became one of the largest tour operators in Skagway, second
only to the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. In 2005 I sold the gold panning operation
and purchased Burro Creek which itself has significant appeal as a visitor destination.
However, I am as yet undecided as to Burro Creek’s future and prefer to wait until the
feasibility study is completed.
I believe that my 30 years as business owner in Skagway have given me adequate
experience to serve as the grant manager for the proposed feasibility study.
Thank you for this opportunity to submit a grant and for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Janice C. Wrentmore
Owner, Burro Creek Holdings and
Red Onion Saloon, Inc.