A federal effort to help Southeast diversify its economy includes $25 million to be shared across the entire region — and Wrangell has weighed in with its requests.
The U.S. Forest Service launched the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy over the summer to help promote “a diverse economy, enhanced community resilience, and conserved natural resources.”
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 18, the agency sought input from communities and tribes for projects that could fulfill that strategy. Participants submitted 240 project proposals to spend the $25 million, according to the Forest Service website.
The borough and the Wrangell Cooperative Association both submitted lists.
The Forest Service will submit its funding recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture by Nov. 19, Erica Keene, media relations specialist at the agency’s Alaska office said in an email last week.
The borough’s wish list included projects such as the water treatment plant replacement, barge ramp replacement, upgrades to the swimming pool and recreation facility, a Zimovia Highway alternate route, water main replacements, wastewater treatment plant improvements, Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park improvements, Mt. Dewey Trail extension – including a link to Petroglyph Beach – other trail improvements.
The list also included Meyers Chuck dock replacement, Inner Harbor design and construction, sidewalk improvements, a Fools Inlet road-accessible public recreation cabin, Kyle Angerman Park improvements, a shelter for the Chugach Ranger boat on display at the museum, Wrangell Island outhouse replacements, permanent anchors for the floats at Anan Wildlife Observatory, wild blueberry management, and marine access boat/floatplane float and ramp replacements at Roosevelt Harbor, Anita Bay, Earl West Cove, Pats Landing and Saint John Harbor.
The Sentinel was unable to obtain the WCA’s list.
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