Shipyard projects benefit whole state

  • Sunday, February 9, 2014 5:05pm
  • Opinion

Ketchikan’s shipyard has widespread support throughout the state.

It will need it to acquire $3 million from the Legislature this session.

But, if it can get this money — money it can’t get anywhere else — it will be spent to improve the shipyard’s operation, increasing the amount of work that can be done there. Increased work signals a growing business with an encouraging future, and if the businesses in Ketchikan can be described such, then the community is economically well.

The community has been strongly in support of the shipyard for decades, most evidently in its granting competitive electrical rates and tax relief. Stipulated in a 30-year agreement between the City of Ketchikan, Ketchikan Public Utilities, Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, which owns the shipyard operated by Vigor Alaska, the shipyard receives rates that allow it to be competitive against other shipyards.

The shipyard plans to build a new open air land-level berth. Construction requires relocating an electrical power substation, which is 26 years old. The substation is located in the middle of where the new berth would be constructed. Moving the electrical equipment would result in its being updated, which would improve efficiency and allow for the capacity of higher electrical loads. Improved capacity will be necessary as the shipyard continues to be developed.

And it will continue to develop. It is necessary infrastructure in a state with a maritime economy. Private, state and federal vessels can be repaired, maintained and built at the shipyard. They encompass every type of vessel from ferries, fishing boats, barges and U.S. Coast Guard cutters.

With the shipyard here, maritime operators do not have to make a trip to Seattle or elsewhere for service in most cases. This is especially important during the busiest times for the year for the maritime industry. It also means shipyard jobs are in Ketchikan and not out of state. Increasing development in the Arctic area of Alaska also increases the value of the shipyard operations by reducing the distance to shipyard services for vessels that operate there. That activity will only increase.

The shipyard is an ongoing project. It has been a community priority for decades, increasing its capabilities and contribution to the community and the state with each improvement. The state, through its legislators, should continue to build upon its investment in Ketchikan Shipyard. While it is an asset to Ketchikan, it serves the whole state.

— Ketchikan Daily News,

Feb. 1

More in Opinion

Shana Loshbaugh (Courtesy photo)
History conference seeking input from peninsula people

The Alaska Historical Society will hold its annual conference on the central peninsula this fall

Coach Dan Gensel (left) prepares to get his ear pierced to celebrate Soldotna High School’s first team-sport state championship on Friday, Febr. 12, 1993 in Soldotna, Alaska. Gensel, who led the Soldotna High School girls basketball team to victory, had promised his team earlier in the season that he would get his ear pierced if they won the state title. (Rusty Swan/Peninsula Clarion)
Remembering my friend, Dan Gensel

It’s a friendship that’s both fixed in time and eternal

(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: The false gods in America’s gun culture

HB 61 is a solution in search of a problem.

KPBSD Superintendent Clayton Holland
Reflecting on a year of growth and resilience

A message from the superintendent

Jim Cockrell, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. (Courtesy photo/Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Honoring the 69 peace officers who have died serving Alaskans

Alaska Peace Officer Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty

Rep. Maxine Dibert (Image via Alaska State Legislature)
Opinion: The economic case for a significant investment in education

As our oil production and related revenue have declined, our investments in education have remained flat

Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion
Smoke from the Swan Lake Fire impairs visibility on the Sterling Highway on Aug. 20, 2019.
Don’t let the abundance of snow fool you; Alaskans should prepare for wildfire season

Last summer’s 590 wildfires burned more than 3.1 million acres in Alaska, about 41% of the total acreage burned in the U.S.

Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File
Former Gov. Frank Murkowski in May 2019.
Opinion: Statewide sales tax just doesn’t make ‘horse sense’

Money for the dividend was meant to be sized after State government services obligations had been met

The Alaska State Capitol. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Point of View: Big steps to strengthen child care system

Funding in the budget, statutory reforms and support from the administration are all necessary to strengthen the child care system in Alaska

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a news conference in which options for a long-range fiscal plan were discussed. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Tax talk should be paired with PFD pragmatism

Alaska is 30 years into state budget deficits, borrowing billions from savings to pay the bills.

Teaser
Opinion: Seafood Producers Cooperative responds to WFC ruling

“I want to convey our great disappointment…”

Lawmakers, staff and other workers inside the The Alaska State Capitol are preparing this week for the upcoming session of the Alaska State Legislature that starts Jan. 17, including the release of the first round of prefile bills published Monday by the Legislative Affairs Agency. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Voices: Senate tax bills threaten critically needed community investment

Hilcorp Alaska’s role as a major sponsor of our race is a source of great pride