[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6118112,"mediaKeyId","2724952-9e32aff3712422de869b64d6ec80f440","parentId",2724952,"title","Commission and public raise concerns about SS Nenana repairs and borough project management","audioSeconds",5120,"startMs",2019000,"endMs",7139000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2724952-9e32aff3712422de869b64d6ec80f440&start=2019&end=7139","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2724952-9e32aff3712422de869b64d6ec80f440/thumbnail_2019000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6118112/Alaska/Commission-and-public-raise-concerns-about-SS-Nenana-repairs-and-borough-project-management","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118112-57b5fba8ecb0023cfa34dbc2e46972e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770732238&Signature=Rjs~RIM5pMZXAS2fpymnANRJvrtg7WpzyA6hC9oR5b~9Yr~l3Q8GwZyymxqQ-m0LZj3a7-rxy4YZ1L4Yz7JgfERxjKgH4yGKIKOAXMYp-Hc4FDAMDFbGE0ViG1azLLNnLbQjJFchViFjIOyP02M3u9-6ACoxIQA1YrvShDmcvZ8C5L7rZaVkmAyW10XqSt6KwwNdNDw9xaSXf0ZsEDtefBullugRLSduW8cCVKbHrCn6T2RwgS4WSB98N~3-wi3pRSEooAu7nOLpUewKkWNsZ4EcjnPcbf6fV8xmzPmPVYgHGazYnx~B7bQfty0eowml~0VQ~Pgz31qlkyMnZQ~kkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","Commissioners and public speakers at the March 4, 2025, Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission meeting raised detailed concerns about the management and scope of recent restoration work on the SS Nenana riverboat, urging the borough to revisit its strategy, improve contracting safeguards and consider alternative funding or delivery approaches.

Patricia (Trish) Schmidt, a volunteer with Friends of the SS Nenana, described fundraising and repair needs for the riverboat’s bow and upper decks and reported that volunteers and community donors have contributed to several projects. Schmidt said the boat is an important tourism draw and that work this season will include repairing the stern wheel and other deck elements.

A commissioner and several public speakers detailed what they said were shortcomings in the borough’s capital‑project approach. The commission heard that earlier large appropriations for the boat were reduced during project development, that the project lacked a formal scoping phase after funds were appropriated, and that two previous bid attempts were unsuccessful. The speaker stated that a later, much smaller contract reopened the cargo deck last summer at a cost the speaker characterized as about $122,000; the speaker questioned whether the larger prior scopes and bids were appropriately targeted to the immediate public‑safety and access needs.

Members of the public and commissioners also recounted an incident described as contractor work that left intact historic tongue‑and‑groove decking exposed to rain for an extended period, after which interior finishes sustained greater water damage than had occurred in decades. The commission was told the contractor removed older waterproofing layers and plywood, then left the exposed decking during wet weather; the speaker said contract specifications called for protecting construction that would remain but reported no current corrective obligation for the contractor to repair the resulting interior damage.

Commissioners and public speakers described several delivery models that had been used or might be used: (1) partnership with a private foundation (previously used), (2) seasonal Parks & Recreation crews who performed extensive work in past years, and (3) the current Public Works capital‑project approach. Speakers suggested the foundation or dedicated seasonal crews had produced more work for lower net cost in prior campaigns and recommended the borough reconsider its approach and consult preservation standards, specifically the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, where appropriate.

The commission requested better communication with the mayor’s office and Public Works, asked staff to explore arranging a field visit for commissioners to inspect the SS Nenana, and recommended the borough consider preservation‑oriented contracting language and oversight to protect historic materials during work. No formal action was taken; commissioners said they would seek continued dialogue with the administration and public works to clarify scope, costs and preservation standards.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - March 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters and commissioners criticized how recent work on the SS Nenana has been scoped and managed, citing water damage during waterproofing work, questions about contracting and funding, and calls to pursue alternative approaches such as foundation-led restoration or CLG grant support.","taxTitle","Fairbanks North Star (Borough), Alaska","taxId",5063,"location","Alaska","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6118115,"Historic commission concurs there are no historic properties affected by proposed Salcha veterans cemetery",345,4653000,4998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2724952-9e32aff3712422de869b64d6ec80f440&start=4653&end=4998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2724952-9e32aff3712422de869b64d6ec80f440/thumbnail_4653000.jpg","/articles/6118115/Alaska/Historic-commission-concurs-there-are-no-historic-properties-affected-by-proposed-Salcha-veterans-cemetery","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118115-78d2ad769c56062d66b028fd5637cea8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770732238&Signature=W5ypQUCBQlap60SOTb~tJ5P3MgyQ4CN5bNarT5TOROpVb7awAMO3gmovKhInYdGZaxx-YYI-CUV65RL0WfBEKAE-YA625FJbx9TrnKzwEJsrY3kz5I8~KKA2BHj2-UPTkNDITvQ0unUNkSqNa5wggUpBh6HqqQaEJTAFsTD0M1uWk-~dlbonozUH8JSVPG70qu-ezFrmS1kxbFlzvf4h-CisuvhJCJn3YOwYZLECrXHdDifNalGujUS3MfayWNR3o5P-S9-hmh771789xje5xxxp53mymBj6i1~zoEywOm-stf80N5jezzlvYuT027SsDpPm1VF2~aH-2RoKmSWQoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission on March 4, 2025, voted 6-0 to concur with the State of Alaska Division of Veterans Affairs’ determination that there are no historic or cultural resources within the proposed area of potential effect for a State Veterans Cemetery in Salcha.

Melissa Kellner, community planning deputy director, told the commission that staff searched records within a one‑mile radius of the proposed boundary and found no recorded historic resources; the State division had similarly reported no resources within the boundary. Kellner presented a map of the area, which lies south of Johnson Road in the Salcha area, and recommended concurrence with the state’s finding.

Commission members moved and seconded a motion to concur with the state’s determination of “no historic properties affected” for the proposed geotechnical borings and development of the veterans cemetery. The roll-call vote was unanimous: Rickert (yes); Gutowski (yes); Poirier (yes); Parasol (yes); Record (yes); Reuther (yes). The commission recorded no conditions.

The matter was presented as a Section 106 consultation item; the commission’s concurrence is administrative and does not itself authorize construction. The State Division of Veterans Affairs will proceed with planning subject to any federal or state approvals required for cemetery construction.

","The commission concurred with the State of Alaska Division of Veterans Affairs’ determination that the proposed Salcha Veterans Cemetery area of potential effect contains no historic or cultural resources, voting 6-0 to concur with the agency’s finding.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6118122,"Historic commission recommends Pikes Landing eligible for National Register",1062,2668000,3730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2724952-9e32aff3712422de869b64d6ec80f440&start=2668&end=3730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2724952-9e32aff3712422de869b64d6ec80f440/thumbnail_2668000.jpg","/articles/6118122/Alaska/Historic-commission-recommends-Pikes-Landing-eligible-for-National-Register","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6118122-5147453c06ede65c96344bf34407c22f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770732238&Signature=Is4TCVBwyK~-~VTvruPHETFxW3aBQu8rImLXn8v0OVoqGJDgn6rweAJQ32Lglzp6im1OEn8yADTXdd5VkxB1mZP5Z9P4vRfDY7POSMZ2spWi1HA-ACEMfHGV6ZXmQXB12FCNmWonZuLDinFpPXMUCOJdQ5jonPlAadJneWtYmX4M0oCBZONq27ZNypmWpXJlBQ~XJ5Anm7OFe0Ddy5Bfm86nL~eOOCrga0E2nFwbRPz2t3dJVh1iRMUKep~HP48Pq-WDSRXyfH7RwjDSR1VVi3LEB0CIc4QS9z6UIfpnsw3RzFyiwppp1yeEA6ekPnhrMYqmS7zqoM9QTpdve-ZlpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission voted 6-0 on March 4, 2025, to recommend that Pikes Landing be found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, citing the site’s long history as a river access point and post‑World War II recreational hub.

State Historic Preservation Officer Katie Rinksmith told the commission that the nomination defines Pikes Landing’s period of significance as 1942 to 1976 and argues the site’s historic importance in both transportation and social/recreational use. Rinksmith said the nomination focuses on the surviving boat ramp and remnants of the restaurant and on the river as an historic landscape feature.

Local residents, business owners and tourism officials urged the commission to support the nomination during public comment. Jay Rammers, a Hamilton Acres resident who led community research on Lloyd Pike, said the nomination is an effort “to rescue Lloyd Pike from obscurity.” Jeffrey Brooks, a longtime Pikes Landing employee and partner, described the property’s evolution and continuity as a community gathering place. Joan Skillbred, a local historian, noted that the landing remains “an active seaplane base today” and said the site illustrates postwar shifts in transportation and recreation. Scott McCray, CEO of Explore Fairbanks, said the tourism industry “has our full support” for both Pikes Landing and Growden Park nominations because historic sites draw visitors.

The commission’s motions first found that the nomination meets National Register criteria A and B and that the property retains historic integrity from its stated period of significance. The commission then voted that the property “is significant, retains integrity and is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.” The roll-call vote on the final eligibility motion was 6 yes, 0 no: John Poirier (yes); Martin Gutowski (yes); Miss Veltracus (yes); Josh Reuther (yes); Ms. Parasol (yes); Mr. Record (yes).

Rinksmith told commissioners the commission does not have to act the same night but that, if the commission approves the nomination in its minutes, the State Historic Preservation Office can forward it to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C. She asked that the commission’s vote be recorded in the minutes and indicated the office hoped to have state-level action before April to support the Gold Panners’ season planning.

Commission discussion focused on documentary gaps in the draft nomination and the presence of living‑memory sources; members requested time to add details to the nomination record. Rinksmith and staff agreed the nomination text can be supplemented as it moves through the state process; the Keeper receives the final package in Washington.

What’s next: the commission’s recommendation will be included in the minutes sent to the State Historic Preservation Office and the Alaska Historical Commission; if the Alaska commission concurs, the nomination will be forwarded to the National Register’s Keeper for final determination. The nomination materials cited the property’s period of significance (1942–1976), the surviving boat ramp and restaurant remnants, and the Chena River setting as key factors supporting eligibility.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion: Commission recommends Pikes Landing meets National Register criteria A and B and is eligible for listing. Outcome: approved. Vote: 6–0.

","The Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission voted 6-0 March 4, 2025, to recommend that Pikes Landing be found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; the nomination now moves to the State Historic Preservation Office and, if approved, to the Keeper in Washington, D.C.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission and public raise concerns about SS Nenana repairs and borough project management

Historic commission concurs there are no historic properties affected by proposed Salcha veterans cemetery

Historic commission recommends Pikes Landing eligible for National Register