Development of a Multi-Agency Center in Downtown Seward, Alaska

The National Park Service prepared as environmental assessment to evaluate a proposal to develop a multi-agency administration and visitor facility in downtown Seward, Alaska. The Center would include space for administration, education programs, interpretive exhibits and programs, visitor information, and conference facilities. Six individually owned properties comprising a total area of about 1.3 acres were considered as potential sites for the center.

The purpose of the action is to develop a Multi-Agency Center to provide for co-located administrative and visitor facilities for both KEFJ and CNF that meets the current and future needs of both agencies in a location that is visible and readily accessible to the public. The Center would also incorporate conference facilities managed by the City of Seward to accommodate conference activities by various groups and organizations. The Center would provide KEFJ and CNF with a visitor contact facility with adequate space to conduct public business, where visitors can become informed about the varied recreational opportunities and resources available on federally owned public lands in the region at a single unified location. A purpose of the Center would be to reduce agency costs and improve operating efficiencies by allowing shared reception services, mailroom functions, phone systems, and other necessary services combined to improve visitor service.