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Since its formation in May 2006, the Newtok Planning Group has recommended and
sought funding for the development of emergency, pioneer-level infrastructure at
Mertarvik. Pioneer-level infrastructure, including an evacuation shelter, would provide a
safe place at which the Newtok community could seek refuge in the
event of severe flooding following a serious storm. Pioneer-level-infrastructure could support construction activities while the new
village is being developed. In addition to serving the village's
emergency and construction support needs during the relocation
process, the evacuation shelter could later serve as a community
center in the fully developed community.
In 2008 the Newtok Traditional Council received a community
planning grant through the Alaska Climate Change Impact
Mitigation Program for the conceptual design of the Mertarvik
Evacuation Center (MEC). The Cold Climate Housing Research
Center (CCHRC) was hired to prepare the conceptual design,
which was completed in July 2009. The conceptual design
incorporated innovative approaches to make the evacuation center more affordable,
sustainable, energy efficient, and to reflect community and cultural values.
In fiscal year 2011, the Newtok Traditional Council was awarded a $4 million grant by the
Alaska legislature for the design and construction of the MEC, the design of which would
be based on the conceptual design prepared by CCHRC. The NTC entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOT/PF) to manage the design and construction of the building. DOT/PF hired the architectural firm Bezek Durst Seiser to design the MEC. The CCHRC was hired as an adviser to the design process and the Newtok Traditional Council continued to work closely with the design team.
The design was completed in
February 2011. Work on the
MEC is scheduled to begin this summer with construction activities being carried out by the
military Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRT) and a private contractor. In summer
2011, the IRT will construct the
MEC foundation and building
pad, septic system and outfall,
parking pad, fuel tank pad,
waterline installation from the
new proposed well, and the
construction of storage
buildings near the MEC site.
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