Akutan • Atka • False Pass • Nelson Lagoon • Nikolski • St. George • Unalaska

Atka

Atka is located on Atka Island, 1,100 miles from Anchorage. The community is adjacent to rich Pacific cod, pollock, sablefish, Atka mackerel, and Aleutian Islands crab (both red and brown) fishing groups. The lack of a boat harbor has made it impossible for local residents to directly participate in these fisheries, except during the summer months. The draft Energy & Water Appropriations bill does contain funding to initiate the planning process (step one) for construction of a boat harbor. This is one of APICDA’s major priorities in the years ahead.

In our opinion, Atka best exemplifies the benefits of the CDQ program. During the summer months, the community is a hub of activity. Nearly every resident is employed, most in jobs directly related to APICDA in one way or another.

In 1994, APICDA and the Atka Fishermen’s Association formed Atka Pride Seafoods (APS). The company is owned equally by the two organizations and governed by a five member board of directors (three of which are local Atka residents). The company has operated in the black for the past five years. APS processes halibut products (H&G, filets and fletches) and sablefish.

Atka Pride Seafoods operates seasonally (from June through September). The decline in Area 4B halibut quotas (over 50% the last four years) has reduced the amount of halibut quota available to the plant. APICDA plans to construct a new and larger Atka Pride Seafoods facility in 2008. The facility would be located on land already leased by APICDA next to the City Dock. The plant would have additional processing capacity for crab and Pacific cod. APICDA’s halibut CDQ, Aleutian Islands sablefish CDQ, and Aleutian Islands crab CDQ would be processed at the plant. With the addition of this facility and a boat harbor (estimated construction in 2009), the stage will be set for a year-round economy based upon fishing.

APICDA also owns and operates the Nazan Bay Inn, a small hotel providing lodging for visitors.

The City of Atka is in the process of building a new clinic, City office, post office, and public meeting space. Airport modifications to widen and extend their airstrip will commence in 2007. The city is working on improving roads, improving water supply, and establishing a fuel tank farm. The community of Atka has a master plan in place to address community needs and goals.

Atka has an Aleut dance troupe called the Atka Dancers. The community promotes the Aleut language and culture through the Atka Dancers and in school activities.

APICDA’S Infrastructure Investments
-Construction of a small dock and attendant floating barges
-Construction of a major dock facility (provided $800,000 in matching funds)
-Construction of a new hydro electric facility (provided $250,000 in matching funds)
-Airport runway extension to 5,000 feet (year 2007) (secured $1.5 million in federal funds)
-Construction of a water catchment system and pipeline to the city dock

APICDA’S Business Development and Investments
-Formation of Atka Pride Seafoods, in partnership with the Atka Fishermen’s Association
-Construction of Nazan Bay Inn in Atka

APICDA’S Proposed 2006-2008 Projects
-Secure Funding for Construction of a Boat Harbor
-Widen Face of Atka City Dock
-Construct New and Larger Atka Pride Seafoods Plant
-Develop Fuel Supply Business, Ship Support Businesses, and other uplands development

 

Local Offices, Services & Businesses
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