Sitka bulk water company looks to extend contract

SITKA — A company looking to export water in bulk from Alaska to dryer climates is looking to extend its contract with Sitka for the borough’s water rights.

The Gary Paxton Industrial Park will consider a three-year extension of its current agreement with Alaska Bulk Water Inc. at the board’s meeting Thursday, the Daily Sitka Sentinel reports.

The company’s existing three-year agreement is set to expire in December.

Alaska Bulk Water paid $1 million in 2012 to secure the rights to the water. Under the agreement, the company was required to ship 50 million gallons by December of this year to retain the exclusive rights. The company has installed some infrastructure for loading water, but has yet to send a shipment out of the park.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

If approved, the new deal would again be for $1 million and provide Alaska Bulk Water with another three years to move the 50 million gallons of water. It would also award the company a slightly smaller volume of water to make more available for several other bottling companies.

The $1 million counts as credit toward future exports. Money from the sales will go into a bulk water fund, which City Administrator Mark Gorman said is used to support other bulk water interests in the park.

 

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of April 6

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A Juneau School District maintenance supervisor examines the ceiling at Riverbend Elementary School on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. The school, since renamed Kax̲dig̲oowu Héen Elementary School, has experienced roof problems since its construction, according to district officials. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau’s school board approves project lists for proposed voter bond at $5M, $10M and $15M levels

Roof, heating, ventilation and security prioritized as Assembly considers bond items for fall election.

President Donald Trump announced yet another abrupt change in economic policy on Wednesday. (Eric Lee / The New York Times)
Trump backs down by reducing many reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, but hikes China’s to 125%

Universal 10% levy remains for other countries; change comes after tailspin in global markets.

Debris from a home that partially fell into the Mendenhall River due to a record glacial outburst flood remains on the riverbank on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Trump executive order seeks to block states and municipalities from enforcing their climate policies

Order could affect everything from recently enacted state carbon laws to Juneau’s renewable energy goals.

The Red Chris Mine, a gold and copper mine, seen several years ago after it began to operate in late 2014. (Garth Lenz / Salmon State)
Report cites growing environmental risks at Red Chris Mine in Stikine watershed

Seepage of contaminants at site 130 miles northeast of Wrangell reported by Canadian environmental group.

Students swing on a playground at Meadow Lakes Head Start in Wasilla, Alaska. It closed in 2024 due to funding and staffing challenges. (Image by Lela Seiler, courtesy of CCS Early Learning)
Alaska Head Start programs in limbo after regional office closed by U.S. Health Secretary Kennedy

Tribal programs such as Tlingit and Haida’s not affected by closures.

Alaska House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, speaks at a House majority news conference, April 8, 2025, in the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. Rep. Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage; Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage; Edgmon; and Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, are seated left to right. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska lawmakers are divided over state budget, stuck without agreement over dividend, schools

House majority leaders appeal to GOP minority, Gov. Dunleavy for agreement on spending plan.

A preliminary design shows a park at Aak’w Landing, the cultural and arts center, and a cruise ship in port at Huna Totem’s private dock. (Courtesy of Huna Totem)
Assembly OKs Aak’w Landing tideland lease based on its goal of better managing tourism

Huna Totem says the dock is expected to be operational by the 2027 visitor season.

The Alaska Youth Choir sings the official state song during its traditional appearance to open the 50th Alaska Folk Festival on Monday night at Centennial Hall. (Mark Sabbatini)
50th Folk Festival opens with longtime, long-absent, new and other performers

Weeklong festival adheres to tradition, but revisits many of its past moments with tales and tunes.

Most Read