| In 2006, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED) applied for and was awarded an Economic
Development Administration Investment Assistance Grant for a
barge landing and staging area at Mertarvik on behalf of the Newtok
Traditional Council. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic
Development Administration (EDA) is the federal funding agency for
the project. The barge
landing and staging area is a critical facility necessary for the
delivery of equipment and construction materials necessary for the
development of the new village. The barge landing and staging
area is also essential for the relocation of structures that may be
suitable to move from the old village to Mertarvik.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities (DOT/PF), is providing the State's portion of the
match for the $1 million project and in co-management with DCCED,
is providing project management of the barge landing and staging
area. In addition to the EDA grant, the Alaska State
Legislature appropriated $300,000 to DOT/PF for surfacing material
for the barge ramp and staging area.
DOT/PF has completed the permitting and detailed topographic
survey work for the project. Final design will be completed
over the winter 2008/2009 months and construction will be completed
by mid-July
2009. |