SITKA (AP) - The Sitka city assembly has authorized a 20-year lease of land to a Native corporation for a “cultural and recreation attraction” for visitors, particularly cruise ship visitors docking at the nearby Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal.
The assembly, voting 5-2, approved leasing 17 acres to Shee Atiká, which plans to work with another company, Adventure Sitka, to develop the land with attractions such as zip lines, nature trails, a salmon bake and a canoe launch.
The land is between the ferry terminal and the cruise terminal. Chris McGraw, who owns the terminal and manages Adventure Sitka, said development of the property will be an important part of handling an expected increase in cruise passengers to the community.
“The key to over-tourism is good distribution of guests,” McGraw said at the Aug. 24 assembly meeting.
Karl Potts, CEO of Shee Atiká, said the lease would generate $300,000 and $400,000 a year for the city.
The development will pay Sitka an annual $60,000 lease fee, plus $4 per visitor. The rates will increase over the term of the lease.
Adventure Sitka and Shee Atiká were the only bidders to a city request for proposals to buy or lease the property.
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