The Borough of Sitka, Alaska and Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) have announced the arrival of a new Travelift that will service both commercial and recreational vessels. Sitka’s latest 150-ton haulout and boatyard project is an investment in economic growth and job creation. Boat owners in Sitka won’t have to travel far for service anymore.
Phase I. The Travelift arrived unassembled and a crane will be used to erect the lift. Other construction activity is ongoing, including a concrete wash-down pad. Grout for the piers will be applied (requiring temperatures above 45 degrees for several days) and then must cure for a period of time. The haulout is expected to be operational this summer, 2025. Highmark Marine LLC, a Kodiak marine fabrication company, won the bid to operate the new haulout at Gary Paxton Industrial Park in Sitka. Plans include an open yard for boats on-the-hard.
Phase II of the project involves development of the uplands and local boat-related businesses and tradespeople are working with the GPIP Board to make the most of the adjacent properties. Most of the planning is centered on the city-owned Lot 15, a large parcel near the new haulout site. Lot 15 is currently being used to store industrial materials and the city has asked that the Lot be vacated by the end of September to make way for other uses.
Tradesmen are looking forward to doing business at the haulout and the surrounding GPIP facilities. Board members of GPIP have discussed the idea of creating a long-term lease for a smaller parcel of land (Lot 9B) with Jeremy Serka to eventually build a covered, 60-foot-tall boathouse. The Board also supports granting short-term leases to both Silver Bay Seafoods for a portion of Lot 9C, and to K&E Construction for a portion of Lot 15 to be used as storage. Local resident Chris Hanson, a machinist, has been inspired to organize local interests into a Marine Trades Association.
The Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) is the premiere industrial development property in Sitka and is located in Jamestown Bay, southeast of downtown Sitka.
Photos and Maps: City & Borough of Sitka
