An approximately $340,000 grant to OceansAlaska is on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly agenda Monday, along with a proposal for the borough to seek state and federal funding to help build a shellfish hatchery that would be operated by that organization.
OceansAlaska grows badly needed oyster and geoduck seed for shellfish farmers throughout Alaska. It is operating at a loss, though, and has asked the borough and city for financial help to get through the next couple of years.
According to borough information, the seed produced at the hatchery this year will lead to sales of up to $5 million for Alaska shellfish farmers.
The larger 10,000-square-foot building that OceansAlaska plans would be more efficient, and the organization anticipates it would be able to operate such a facility without government help.
Also Monday, the Assembly will consider a resolution accepting ownership of the Southern Southeast Emergency Training Center, which has not been completed. According to the resolution, the training center organization started the project, but has run out of funds and doesn’t anticipate getting more anytime soon.
The Assembly meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in Borough Assembly chambers. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
