The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council last week voted to support efforts of the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center to partner with the State of Alaska to operate a planned museum and eagle-viewing center at the village entrance.
Construction of the center is set to begin in May. Center project director Lani Hotch said this week that the village will need partners to cover the cost of operating the building.
The building will include an eagle-viewing area in its lobby and a riverside boardwalk, she said.
Hotch said the village also will seek to partner with the University of Alaska for providing classroom space at the center and the project may be eligible for further support through the state Department of Transportation’s Scenic Byways funding.
Hotch said organizers aren’t ready to attach dollar figures to the support they’ll be seeking. Organizers are hoping to have the structure’s shell completed and enclosed by October.
Completed phases of the project include a separate hospitality building and riverbank erosion prevention structures.