Denali Commission meets in Cordova for first time

JOY LANDALUCE

May 09, 2008 at 11:24AM AKST

The Denali Commission, an innovative federal-state partnership designed to fund rural projects, met in Cordova for the first time on Thursday, May 1.

The meeting, held at the Reluctant Fisherman Inn, allowed Cordova officials to describe some of the community’s needs for the future, especially in regard to sustainable energy.

Members of the commission listened and complimented residents on the beautiful setting of the meeting, with the Cordova boat harbor visible outside the inn’s windows.

"I do not believe that the commission has ever held a meeting with such a spectacular view," Denali Commission Federal Co-Chair George Cannelos said.

"The Native Village of Eyak, the city of Cordova have shown us great hospitality with the potluck dinner held last night, and the tour of the Ilanka Health Clinic and the Ilanka Cultural Center was very rewarding and is very well done."

Mayor Tim Joyce gave a PowerPoint presentation of the history of Cordova, including the loss of the Copper mine to the 1963 fires, the 1964 earthquake and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Joyce pointed out that the work of the Denali commission could be seen throughout Cordova: "From the chip seal on the streets, to the hydroelectric project, the Ilanka Health Clinic, Ilanka Cultural Center and Museum, marine transportation support, Cordova’s future boat haulout, the breakwater reconstruction and the walkway to the new ball field.

"Tourism is the next industry for Cordova, with the spectacular, world-class Child’s Glacier facility," he added.

"Over 3 million sandpipers migrate here, and Cordova has great salmon fishing in the fall," he said. "Add that to the 200 miles of trails, and you can see that we need a new venue with the construction of the Cordova Center."

Bruce Cain, executive director of the Native Village of Eyak, stated the importance of the meetings being held in Cordova.

"Thank you for making Cordova your destination for this meeting. We thank you for all you have done for this community," he began.

"I was at the ferry terminal this morning to watch the Alaska fast ferry Chenega take its maiden voyage for the season," Cain said. "Transportation is very important, and daily ferry service is a must. Everyone needs to be all together on one page, that is the answer."

Clay Koplin, executive director of the Cordova Electric Cooperative, spoke to the need for education, transportation and the struggle to afford rural energy.

Koplin described the need to store hydroelectric power for the growing demand of electricity in the summer for freezing and processing fish.

"We also need to store power during the off-season for the hydroelectric plant when it is not running in the cold months," Koplin said. "The future is in the ability to store energy, wind power and hydrogen."

"Energy education is a must, with the use of creating incentives for customers to use less electricity," he added.

Sylvia Lange, co-owner of the Reluctant Fisherman Inn, also thanked the commission for choosing Cordova as the venue for its meeting.

"I want you to take away the feeling that Cordova is no longer a community divided," she said. "We will work together to fill the needs of the this community as we move into the future."

Joy Landaluce can be reached at (907) 424-7181.