he City and Borough of Wrangell is offering a unique opportunity for strategic partners and investors: a chance to capitalize on Alaska’s last undeveloped deep-water port. The 42-acre waterfront site provides direct access to maritime routes and accommodates large vessels, making it ideal for supporting diverse development projects. Once fully developed, Wrangell’s port will become a major economic hub that enhances financial stability and independence for the area, says Economic Development Director Kathleen Thomas.

Wrangell is in the preliminary stage of addressing the project’s planning activities, which are being funded by a $421,000 federal grant. The port site is essentially a “blank canvas” in a community with a strong penchant for business and population growth. Since acquiring the land in 2022, the borough has established short-term leases with a metals output operation and is diligently working to entice other businesses to the area. “The impetus for the borough procuring the site was to drive development by relocating the barge and cargo services and help source compatible private investment parties,” Thomas says.

Being regionally positioned and centrally located in southeast Alaska, Wrangell is ideally situated. So is the port, which occupies an open industrial area just five miles from downtown. The surrounding locale is poised for commercial and residential expansion; a nearby subdivision has twenty lots available, with another twenty to be developed. “Wrangell not only offers industrial and real estate development but there are also other avenues for growth, such as emerging technologies,” Thomas says. “That gives us an opportunity to envision something more grand.”

The site is suitable for warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities that can leverage the deep-water port for import and export activities. The property can also support various marine services, including boat repair/storage, maintenance facilities, seafood processing plants, and even building large ships. “Wrangell has world-class shipwrights, machinists, and fabricators, and there are a slew of highly skilled marine tradesman in our shipyard,” Thomas says.

Additionally, Wrangell boasts low moorage fees for its drydock and harbor, along with affordable rental rates for housing. This makes it an appealing place to live, work, raise a family, and conduct business. “The municipality is very amenable and has a growth-based mindset,” Thomas says. “We want new businesses and new residents—especially those who appreciate the quality of life in a small town like Wrangell.”

Wrangell has a team of innovative, eager professionals who aim to drive not just the local economy but regional and state economies by entertaining prospects for developing a niche in Southeast Alaska. “We’re growing and evolving—and we are ready to talk.” Thomas says.

Realistically, it can take up to five years to complete the initial engineering, environmental, and other planning activities for the project. But it’s not too early for potential stakeholders to get involved. Thomas explains: “We can begin engaging in discussions now, which will give developers, venture capitalists, and other investors time to get organized. Just pick up the phone and give us a call.”