2007 Annual Report Executive Summary
Metlakatla Indian Enterprise Community
During 2007 the Metlakatla Indian Community continued to concentrate efforts on diversifying Metlakatla’s economy. The EC area has been adversely impacted by closure of the community’s largest employer, the Annette Hemlock Mills; and, the near closure of Annette Island Packing Company. The Annette Island Packing Company was successful in obtaining a $2.1M grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and $500,000 in HUD funds to purchase and install value added lines and associated equipment. The equipment will enable the company to expand its production of herring, salmon, and other species and to reduce the amount of handling of fish. EZ/EC funds were used to purchase needed cranes as added improvement in other docks to improve the freshness and quality of product.
The Metlakatla Bottled Water plant, a new industry in Metlakatla, continued operations in 2007. EZ/EC funds were used to assist in the acquisition of an expanded parts and equipment inventory needed as the plant approaches full operation. The plant has been successful in
obtaining contracts for custom bottling under different labels, as well as producing its own brand.
The completion of the Walden Road construction project will provide Metlakatla residents with much better access to Ketchikan. The completion of this major project, along with frequent ferry service to be provided between Ketchikan and Walden Point, has the potential to bring major changes in land use and public facilities and services to Metlakatla. As a result, Metlakatla Indian Community is undertaking a completely new comprehensive development plan for Annette Island.
Metlakatla Indian Community received a Denali Commission grant to buy transmission line materials to provide power to the north end of the Waldon Point Road. Preparatory work on the Bald Ridge Aggregate Project will serve to assist area marketing and selling as an aggregate under 8(a) contracting agreements.
Metlakatla recently received permits from EPA to study the possibilities of having large cruise ships stopping in Metlakatla. This will be a partnership with Annette Island Packing Company. Overall, Metlakatla made substantial progress in 2007. We look forward to making even more progress in 2008.
Metlakatla Indian EC Summary Page Metlakatla Indian EC Funding Page