Borough advances Save America’s Treasures grant work on SS Nenana while options to sell or lease are explored

Fairbanks — Borough staff told the Historic Preservation Commission on June 3 that they provided information to the North Star Community Foundation to complete a Save America’s Treasures grant application for the SS Nenana and that the borough is simultaneously exploring whether to lease or sell the historic sternwheeler to local preservation groups.

Tom Hewitt, an assistant in the mayor’s office, said the borough supplied “everything we think was required for that application” to Pete Penny of the North Star Community Foundation and expected the foundation to submit the application before a soft May 31 deadline. Hewitt said the borough also asked the foundation to place a discussion about taking the vessel on its board agenda so the foundation can consider acting either as the Friends group’s fiscal agent or assuming ownership itself.

The commission was told the grant is expected to operate on a federal reimbursement basis: the borough or its partner would schedule and do work, then submit costs for reimbursement. Hewitt said he would expect a decision by June (the federal fiscal year end) and that, given the construction season and required preparatory work, actual painting and larger preservation work would most likely take place next summer. He also said the borough provided budget and ownership information the foundation could not supply on its own.

Friends of the SS Nenana volunteer Patricia (Trish) Schmidt confirmed to the commission that paperwork had been submitted: “Everything has been sent and been received and we’ve got confirmation … and he’s going to start the paperwork rolling,” she said when asked by the commission chair.

Commissioners and staff discussed several practical points the commission said matter for any grant-funded work: whether federal matching funds would be required, how project management and procurement would be handled, and who would hold maintenance responsibility after work is complete. Hewitt said the National Park Service clarified that, because of how the appropriation for this round of Save America’s Treasures funds was made, the award in this case is not requiring the usual dollar‑for‑dollar match, but the borough will proceed “until told otherwise by the federal government.”

Commissioners noted other preservation work already in progress: the transom painting began the day of the meeting, paid for by the Friends and performed by Jack Frost Log Works, and a borough capital improvement project of about $500,000 is proceeding on deck and structural work that must precede painting in some sections.

The chair and commissioners said they are preparing a memorandum of agreement to clarify roles, reimbursements and the level of input the Friends and North Star Community Foundation will have in managing projects conducted under the grant. Commissioners asked for tours of the SS Nenana and for clearer plans to ensure the borough and volunteer groups coordinate procurement and federal reporting requirements.

Discussion only: the commission did not vote on accepting the grant or changing ownership during the meeting. Staff described steps taken to support the foundation’s application and said they are working with the foundation and Friends group on next steps pending federal decisions.