Project Overview
The Ketchikan Agricultural Producers’ Association (KAPA) has completed a comprehensive feasibility study for establishing a community food hub in Ketchikan. This Southeast Conference-funded project has successfully identified a viable location, developed detailed facility plans, established strategic partnerships, and created a framework for phased implementation.
Key Accomplishments
Site Selection
After careful evaluation of available properties in the Ketchikan area, the Saxman Seaport location has been selected as the optimal site for the KAPA Food Hub. This waterfront location offers several strategic advantages:
- Close proximity to existing commercial infrastructure
- Waterfront access for fishermen and mariculture operators
- Integration with Three Bears Grocery, creating operational synergies
- Established utility connections and transportation access
- Support from Saxman Tribal Village leadership
Facility Design
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service architecture team has developed a purpose-built facility design that encompasses:
- Total facility footprint of approximately 12,000 square feet
- Commercial processing areas including dedicated wet processing room
- Commercial kitchen for value-added production
- Temperature-controlled storage (coolers and freezers)
- Flexible educational and administrative spaces
- Loading dock and product movement infrastructure
Phased Implementation Plan
To ensure responsible development and maximize impact, KAPA has established a four-phase implementation strategy:
- Phase 1: Site Preparation & Infrastructure – Utility connections, site assessment, and basic infrastructure development
- Phase 2: Core Building & Initial Processing – Building shell construction, processing space completion to DEC standards, and initial equipment installation
- Phase 3: Full Facility Completion – Built-in freezer/cold storage buildout, shared-use kitchen completion, and remaining interior spaces finished
- Phase 4: Waterfront Development – Drive-down dock with integrated services, crane installation, expanded ice making capacity, and product loading infrastructure
Expected Community Impact
The KAPA Food Hub is projected to deliver significant benefits to the Ketchikan community:
Economic Benefits
- Creation of permanent facility management positions
- Support for 25+ existing small food businesses
- Facilitation of 10+ new business startups annually
- Enhanced market access for local fishermen and farmers
- Strengthened local food business ecosystem
- Expanded market opportunities for Alaska Native producers
Food Security Improvements
- Increased local processing capacity for wild-harvested foods
- Enhanced food preservation capabilities for households
- Improved cold storage access for community food programs
- Support for traditional food preservation practices
- Reduced dependency on imported processed foods
Workforce Development
- Direct employment opportunities in facility management and operations
- Skills development in food safety, processing, and business operations
- Training programs for commercial kitchen operation and certifications
- Support for traditional food knowledge transfer
Partnerships
The successful completion of this feasibility study involved close collaboration with multiple partners:
- Three Bears Alaska (site partner)
- City of Saxman
- Ketchikan Gateway Borough
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
- R&M Engineering
- Food Works Group
- Local food entrepreneurs and fishermen
Next Steps
With the feasibility study now complete, KAPA is moving forward with:
- Finalizing the sublease agreement with Three Bears
- Securing funding for the initial Ice House project (pre-Phase 1)
- Pursuing federal and state funding for primary facility construction
- Developing technical assistance programs for future facility users
- Establishing institutional partnerships for long-term sustainability
KAPA extends sincere appreciation to all community stakeholders who contributed to this important milestone in strengthening our local food system.
For more information about the KAPA Food Hub project or to learn how you can get involved, please contact grow@ketchikanagriculture.org