Valdez cut the ribbon on a new housing complex along Meals Avenue earlier this month, a recent step in the region’s push for more residential development.
The Chugach Alaska Corporation’s project in partnership with both the Tatitlek and Chenega corporations — the Chugach Naswik Suites — opened up 37 new mixed-use housing units in Valdez on Sept. 5. Of those 37, there are 15 short-term lease units specifically reserved for Tatitlek Chenega Chugach (TCC), Alyeska and Providence employees. The other 22 are hotel-style nightly rentals.
Katherine Carlton — vice president of ANCSA and community affairs for the Chugach Alaska Corporation — told The Cordova Times that much of Valdez’s housing stock was built at the same time as the Alyeska Pipeline more than 50 years ago. Because of the age, as well as high construction costs and interest rates, Valdez is struggling to keep up with housing.
“This housing crisis prevents families from being able to move into the community even when they secure promising employment,” she said, citing in particular teachers, Alyeska employees and health care workers. “By having 15 of our units at Naswik reserved for three companies that employ workers in Valdez, this will open up the existing housing these 15 would have had to secure in the community.”
The housing shortage spans far beyond Valdez, however.
The Prince William Sound Economic Development District announced it would be inviting developers to Cordova in October in an effort to address the lack of housing. The impetus for the developer meeting was a report that revealed more than half of Cordova residents and 60% of Eyak tribal members are aware of individuals wanting to move to Cordova but unable to find housing.
Other communities in Alaska have been feeling a similar pinch — including in Juneau, Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula.
Sheri Buretta, the Chugach Alaska Corportation board chair, said the new development in Valdez is a way to give back to the Native people who “made significant sacrifices” when the pipeline was built.
“Naswik reflects Chugach’s desire to be in Valdez, aligning with our 100-year strategic vision for intergenerational prosperity for our people,” Buretta said. “By partnering with Chenega and Tatitlek, this facility strengthens our connection to one of the Chugach region’s largest communities and serves as a foundation for future growth and opportunities for all.”
