Tok Visitors Center

Study Scope and Process

This study begins the process of planning, designing, and constructing a new Alaska Highway/Alaska Public Lands Information Center and associated Rest Area in the Tok vicinity. This study was sponsored by the Alaska Departments of Transportation and Public Facilities, Economic and Community Development, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The purpose has been to determine:

• those activities which maybe accommodated in the facility,
• the anticipated size of both the facility and its site, and
• potential locations/sites within the Tok vicinity which could accommodate this facility.

The planning process included data gathering meetings and discussions with the agencies which might occupy the facility, with potential users (visitor services providers), and members of the Tok community.

Consideration has been given to co-locating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters facility, since the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, which Fish & Wildlife manages, is an important increment of the public lands in the region. The concept for this co-location is “one site, two roofs.” Using this approach, separate federal funds for Fish & Wildlife Service facility construction will be required. The approach adopted for this project is to assure that sufficient land is available on or adjacent to the Alaska Public Lands Information Center site for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service headquarters facility.

Results

Currently, it is anticipated that the area of the Alaska Public Lands Information Center will be on the order of 9,500 –10,000 square feet and will require a site of approximately 5 acres. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters facility will require an additional one and one half acres for a total site of six and one half acres.

As part of the site evaluation process, a dozen or more locations and sites were evaluated, and three candidate locations identified. Both Sites A and B aggregate two separate parcels which are owned by different private entities. Site C is owned by the State of Alaska Mental Health Trust, which requires fair market compensation for use of its properties.

Next Steps

This study only represents an initial step and provides the initial concept of facility requirements and site options. It lays important groundwork needed to secure commitments for future funding for construction, staffing, facility operations and maintenance. Once agency agreements are reached and funding commitments secured, the concepts in this study can move forward. This project provides an opportunity to develop a showcase visitor facility in the Tok area that provides lasting benefits not only to travelers, but also to the Tok community and all state residents.