Murdock awards $222K for Shakes project

The Tribal House restoration on Chief Shakes Island was awarded another grant last week, with a $222,000 award from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust inching the project towards full funding.

After submitting and revising the grant multiple times beginning in 2009, Wrangell Cooperative Association received notice on May 24 that the grant had been approved. The trust put no restrictions on the grant distribution, and with the paperwork now officially signed, the entire amount will be paid in a lump sum.

“We extend our congratulations on your receipt of this grant,” said M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Executive Director Steven Moore. “We wish you significant and satisfying progress as you seek to strengthen and implement the ideals and mission of the Wrangell Cooperative Association.”

Tis Peterman said she was pleased to hear the funds for the project will arrive at once, and not piecemeal. 

“Murdock Charitable was very cognizant that we are aiming to get the building renovated this year and wanted to ensure we had all of their funding as we need it,” Peterman said.

“The funding is very close, if not fully funded,” she added. “It will be dependent on the costs of the materials needed to reassemble the building. The expense of getting the planks from Prince of Wales Island was more than originally projected.”

Meanwhile, work continues on the Tribal House with Master Carver Steve Brown from Seattle in the borough to assess the project.

WCA spokesman Aaron Angerman added that volunteers are still needed for the planned 2013 Shakes Island re-dedication.

“With Tribal House restoration on schedule, Wrangell Cooperative Association is looking for volunteers to help with the re-dedication ceremony, which will take place in May, 2013,” Angerman said.

The WCA is also in search of committee members and volunteers from all communities to help celebrate the re-opening of Shakes Island. If you can help organize housing, transportation, food, advertising, fund raising, dancing, gift giving or in any other fashion, contact the WCA office at 874-4304.