Wrangell’s borough assembly on Tuesday night will consider approving applying for an EDA – or Economic Development Administration for Disaster Supplemental Grant. The municipality qualifies for this federal grant because of the 2023 fatal landslide. The purpose of the grant is to advance infrastructure, diversify local economies and strengthen economic resilience after disruption.
If the federal government approves the grant, the city could receive up to $50 million.
Wrangell plans to create economic sustainability with the funds, by committing to partnerships with industry leaders that would grow the city’s economy.
Potential projects include workforce and industrial development, and investing in maritime infrastructure. The assembly would have to approve the grant if awarded.
Matching 20% of the potential grant
The assembly will also decide on amending the budget for a better chance to get the EDA grant.
If approved, the borough intends to match 20% of the total project portfolio, which includes the developing deepwater port, a flume replacement and downtown waterfront development. The borough’s contribution would be drawn from reserves and revenue bonds and it will not exceed $12 million.
Also at the meeting, the assembly will hold a public hearing to approve a short-term tidelands lease with JAG Marine Group. The company would build a shipyard at the Deepwater Port, with the intention of servicing and building large-scale sized ships, advancing maritime industrial development in the region.
The Wrangell Borough Assembly will hold its regular meeting on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., following a presentation from SEAPA, the Southeast Alaska Power Agency, at 6 p.m. in the Borough Assembly Chambers at Wrangell City Hall.
You can listen to the live broadcast of the Wrangell Borough Assembly meeting on KSTK-FM 101.7, or stream online at KSTK.org or the city’s website.
Find the meeting agenda at wrangell.com under the “Agendas & Minutes” tab. Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting can sign up on the “Persons to be Heard” sheet at City Hall.
