Whittier’s Shotgun Cove development moving slowly along
By Karen Garcia
Turnagain Times Correspondent
Whittier’s Shotgun Cove development project continues to advance slowly but surely with segment one of the plan’s primary phase slated to conclude by the end of this month.
Comprising just under a half-mile of road, the nearly finished segment includes the realignment and reconstruction of the existing Cove Creek Road and the construction of a new pathway and recreation area.
The project includes two major phases, each containing three segments, with six total segments planned for the entire project.
“We were thinking we’d be a little bit further ahead than where we actually are right now,” said Mark Earnest, Whittier’s city manager. “It’s quite a large undertaking. We are making progress, though.”
A public meeting is scheduled for this month, during which the plan for Shotgun Cove’s land development will be presented to the community and Whittier’s City Council. The date for the meeting has yet to be determined, although Earnest assures that it will be some time before the end of the month.
Whittier is engaging in the Shotgun Cove project in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and Chugach Alaska. In addition to providing recreational development and enhancing public safety, the project aims to facilitate residential expansion on the 600-acre parcel of land about seven miles northeast of Whittier—virtually the only developable land that the city owns.
According to a document provided by Earnest, the Shotgun Cove project will “serve as a catalyst for ongoing and future improvements such as a new boat harbor and possible relocation of the community air strip and ferry service.”
Construction on the second segment of the project, which is considered “shovel ready,” will begin next summer. It will include reconstruction of existing Pioneer Road, construction of a new scenic view overlook/pullout area, and parking and recreational facilities at the Emerald Bay Trailhead.
The City has $6 million available from prior federal appropriations and has recently received an additional $3.5 million in federal stimulus funding through the State of Alaska to put towards the second segment of development. |
