Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

The Chilkat Indian Village in February invoked its right to consult with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) on the Lutak Dock Replacement Project.

The National Historic Preservation Act provides the right for the Chilkat Indian Village to consult with MARAD and provide any information on how that project might impact resources that hold traditional religious or cultural significance. Federal Preservation Officer Barbara Voulgaris wrote a letter to CIV in January inviting the tribe to consult with MARAD.

“As part of the review process, we request information that identifies any resources that may hold traditional religious or cultural significance to the Chilkat Indian Village that could be affected by the proposed work, and, if applicable, assist in developing alternatives that would avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects,” she wrote.

CIV policy and research consultant Natalie Dawson requested a 30-day extension for CIV to make comments. She wrote to Voulgaris that the project “will have significant impact on important places, and also plays a critical role in increasing industrial infrastructure and the resulting activities will have an impact on Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan).”

The tribe’s comments are due March 23.

Voulgaris wrote to CIV that Lutak Dock was identified as a historical area after a cultural resource survey was done in association with improvements made to the ferry terminal in 2011. However, the Federal Highway Administration determined the site was ineligible “for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under all four criteria primarily due to modifications made to the dock throughout its lifespan.” The four criteria that must be met to be eligible for the National Register include an area's association with historical events, association with an historically important person, association with an important technology or work of a master and its likelihood to yield significant historical information.

Haines Borough staff will also participate in the review process, said borough manager Annette Kreitzer.

CIV president Kimberly Strong did not respond to a request for comment by press time.