Camtu’s Alaska Wild Seafoods is taking steps to construct an offload dock facility at the city’s harbor.
The Cordova-based fisheries processor and distributor plans to construct a seafood offload dock to “ enhance services to Cordova’s commercial fishing fleet,” according to the company’s letter of interest. That includes expanding dockside services, supporting additional seafood landings, and creating jobs.
“We understand that change can be difficult, especially in places that people know and care about, but we truly believe this project represents positive change,” Camtu’s Fleet Manager & Assistant Plant Manager Tyler Dillon told the City Council earlier this month.
“It will strengthen our commercial fishing infrastructure, support local fishermen, create jobs, and contribute to Cordova’s longtime future while maintaining safe public access and navigation,” he added.
The company is already in negotiations with the city for a portion of the breakwater fill lot for the project, however a survey recently concluded the location of their dock would not fully fall into that lot. To move forward with the project, Camtu’s has requested a 4,100 square-foot addition of city property to extend the dock in line with the building pad.
The company’s proposed dock would be similar in height to the breakwater fill lot building pad and the city’s T-Dock. They plan for large vessels to be offloaded on the north end of the dock and for bow-pickers to offload at the south end.
While there has been some community concern that the dock would decrease the width of the harbor, Camtu’s has said its widest tender is 25 feet and the company will restrict where boats can dock so vessels don’t extend out into the harbor.
“While the proposed dock may slightly alter the approach to the harbor entrance, there will still be more than 500 feet between the proposed dock face and Spike Island, providing ample room for vessels of any size to maneuver safely,” according to the city.
Members of the city’s Planning Commission recommended the project for City Council approval – noting if the city didn’t capitalize on the project, other private businesses may forego future opportunities that would invest in Cordova’s economy.
“I certainly hear the concerns of some of our community members about the mouth of the harbor but I’ve certainly been other places with narrower harbors with just as big of boats coming through and just as much traffic,” Council Member Mike Mickelson said. “We just need to support this business that’s been supporting our community.”
The council unanimously voted to enter into negotiations with Camtu’s for the additional land during the July 1 regular meeting.
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