The Sitka Assembly and other city officials held a groundbreaking at noon Friday for the Blue Lake dam expansion. Work actually began earlier this month; Friday’s event was ceremonial. The more than $90 million construction contract will raise the dam by about 80 feet and create additional hydropower for Sitka. Residents will see rate increases to help pay for the project. The city also hopes a state grant will come through (it’s asked for $43 million) and is preparing to issue bonds to pay for the project. (Photo by Ed Ronco/KCAW)
