SEARHC seeks Sitka approval of tideland survey for lease around its barge ramp

The Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium is asking the Sitka Planning Commission to approve a state tideland survey that would set the lease boundary around the health consortium's existing barge ramp on Japonski Island. The commission will hold a public hearing on the request at 7 pm Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

The ramp, finished in January 2021, sits on submerged tidelands owned by the State of Alaska, next to SEARHC's upland lot near Thomsen Harbor and the Sitka airport. The survey covers 0.862 acres and draws the lease boundary to take in the ramp. The state remains the owner. Mike Pountney filed the request for SEARHC.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources requires the survey to define the lease boundary, and it requires approval from the local platting authority, in this case the Planning Commission. The survey map carries a signature line for the commission chair ahead of the one for the director of the department's Division of Mining, Land and Water.

Under the survey, a public access strip reaching 50 feet seaward of the high tide line stays reserved to the state.

The survey was prepared by Christopher G. Piburn of R&M Engineering-Ketchikan, using field observations made in September 2021. The site is in the city's Public Lands zoning district.

City planning staff wrote in their staff report that the lease area will not affect the planned water lane for Sitka's new seaplane base. Staff recommend approval.

Residents can testify at the hearing or send written comments to the city Planning Office in City Hall beforehand.