Sitka, Alaska – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), in close collaboration with the City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) and with the National Park Service’s backing, announces a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024, concerning the next phase of the Sitka Seawalk project. This important community event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Harrigan Centennial Hall, specifically in the designated Meeting Room. The meeting’s agenda includes the presentation of the current design plans for Section 2 of the Seawalk project, discussions on the potential impacts of construction on local industry and traffic, and explanations on how public feedback has shaped the project’s development.
The Seawalk initiative aims to enhance accessibility between the Sitka National Historical Park (SNHP), downtown Sitka, and beyond, providing a coherent system for visitor navigation while promoting exercise and recreational activities. This project is a testament to Sitka’s commitment to improving community spaces and fostering a vibrant, accessible environment for both residents and tourists alike.
The development process for the Sitka Seawalk is divided into two phases. The completion of Phase I in 2013 saw the construction of a pathway extending from the boundary of the SNHP to the Harrigan Centennial Hall Visitor Center and the Sitka Public Library. The forthcoming Phase II seeks to extend this pathway further, from the Sitka Public Library to the O’Connell Lightering Facility, and onwards to Totem Square and Lincoln Street. This extension will maintain the original aesthetic and functional characteristics of Phase I, with a strong focus on improving the American Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility of existing facilities.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the meeting, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with the project planners, share insights, and voice concerns. A comment period will remain open until April 7, 2024, providing the community ample time to provide feedback on the project’s progression.
