False Pass, Alaska getting new boat harbor

7/19/06

False Pass, Alaska

A new boat harbor is being constructed in False Pass to provide convenient moorage for the first time for local commercial fishermen and marine vessels traveling through the area as it helps resuscitate the economically struggling Aleutian Island village of 60.

"Harvesters around Alaska will soon be able to permanently and temporarily moor their vessels safely in False Pass with convenient access to both the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea so they can participate in a variety of fisheries," Aleutians East Borough Administrator Bob Juettner said in a prepared statement. "This is something that's been needed for years. This new harbor will also go a long way toward revitalizing the village of False Pass, which has been hard hit economically."

Kodiak harbormaster Mary Owen said the False Pass project could become to Kodiak area fishermen "a harbor of safe haven."

"A lot of our Kodiak fishermen fish out west," Owen said. "This gives them another option, another place to rest or make repairs. It just sounds like a good thing."