Ketchikan OKs beach buy; now up to voters

KETCHIKAN - The Ketchikan Borough Assembly gave its approval Monday to purchase a beach for increased access for residents.

Now, citizens just have to give their approval.

The assembly approved the $1.1 million South Point Higgins Beach purchase with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office.

The agreement calls for a $292,500 down payment at closing. The remainder will be paid out in five annual payments.

Voters will decide Oct. 7 whether the borough should buy the beach using debt financing.

Borough officials expect to pay for it through land sales, a conservation easement and grants, and not through raising taxes.