Seldovia’s Tim P. Dillon Awarded Largest Scenic Byways Grant in the State
by Jenny Chissus
I had a great interview with Tim Dillon, from Dillon and Dillon Construction, who was recently awarded $246,500 (which was the largest grant in the state) from the Alaska Scenic Byways program for Seldovia’s new waterfront pavilion, community signage and repairs to our historic boardwalk!
What an achievement!
Awards also went out to Seward for Iditarod national historic trailhead signs for $129,200, Haines Highway for restrooms and parking improvements $184,000, and a wildlife viewing tower along the Glenn Highway for $154,500
When asking Tim about the beginning of the project, he stated that it started a long time ago, as a concept for a pavilion along the waterfront. Tom and Mary Glover were in on the beginning conceptualization of a structure for both community and tourist use. From there, he had requested that the city develop some kind of committee/forum to address the development of the harbor front project. The mayor appointed folks to the waterfront development committee about 5 years ago, and Tim was selected as chairman. The first step was to determine if it was a good idea for the community, and as a committee, they went through the process of seeking approval from the council, planning and zoning and after many community meetings, they finally received the approval from all the powers that be, for the use of the lot on the waterfront (where the crafters were set up this past summer 2012).
Last year Tim went in search for funding to assist in the creation of this pavilion project – with the understanding that there would be a lot of community effort and in-kind donations from individuals, businesses and the city. He put in an application for a grant with the Alaska Scenic Byways program. He asked for money for the pavilion, as well as funds for signage and repairs on the historic boardwalk. We were awarded a total of $246,500 to complete these projects!
Tim mentioned that he is going to volunteer all his joinery skills. The pavilion will be made with local timber – and part of the grant explained that we would prominently display that this is the furthest north you can find Alaska Sitka Spruce, so the building will be very suited to our local look and rustic nature of Seldovia. Tim is hoping to get the timber in his shop this winter so that he can prepare for construction in the spring. The funds are not yet in, though he is hoping to see them this month! All funds will be managed through the city. If the funds become available in October – Tim is ready to get started on his part of the construction during the winter months in his shop. Raising the pavilion and managing the repairs on the boardwalk will take place in the spring – with volunteer and paid labor.
What is the Pavilion going to look like? The structure will be a rectangular in shape. (approximately 20×40 with a 16 foot deck cantilevered over the breakwater). I asked Tim for a drawing, but he is making some modifications and will get back with me about that when he has the final plans. The grant also was accepted with the request for a separate structure for a barbecue grill alongside – for community gatherings involving food! There will also be rudimentary benches, and perhaps a long, buffet style table in the middle of the pavilion for gathering, eating, etc.
I asked if this area would be used for the crafters during the summer months, and Tim’s response was that this wouldn’t be that area – that the crafters are working with the city to create their own space.
He saw a great pavilion in Petersburg that he really liked that was full on open to the air. But because of our weather, he is looking to enclose it with greenhouse panels – that can be slid open or closed, depending on the weather and the event. With those panels, it will also generate heat in the pavilion interior making it a comfortable place year round. Tim foresees having railing height walls with the greenhouse panels being about 4 feet tall – 3 feet wide, so there will be lots of light! Tim is also hoping that there will be sufficient funds so that they will be able to incorporate power into the structure with the ability for lights, sound systems for concerts and events, and even additional heat.
Regarding the signage there will be a lot of work with the committee (Byways group here in Seldovia) to determine location and content, but they will be professionally made, beautiful and resistant to the weather issues we face in Seldovia. That group will be getting together soon to start planning and gathering information to be displayed through town and all the way to Outside Beach and the RV Wilderness Park.
When asked about landscaping, he doesn’t have much room (acreage) to work with, but will certainly be considering the options during construction and final design and planning. He really sees the value in creating inviting, green spaces!
Tim also wrote this grant as Phase 1 of the Waterfront Development project, and though he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself, his hope is that we can eventually create a full boardwalk from the pavilion all the way to the access ramp to the boat harbor. It was important to leave that door open for further development as wanted and needed by the community.
The Scenic Byways grant funding is a great opportunity for us as individuals to pursue things that are great for our community! There are other projects that are ongoing in Seldovia, and they should also consider this great resource. The fact that Seldovia is on the Scenic Byway – any project affecting that route is eligible for consideration. If you want more information about the process, you can go to: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/scenic/index.shtml
“Alaska’s Scenic Byway designation provides resources to the byway communities to market unique travel experiences and enhance local quality of life through efforts to preserve, protect, interpret, and promote the qualities of the designated Scenic Byway.” -taken from the Alaska Scenic Byways site.
Tim really wanted to stress that his project is as much for the community as well as for visitors. It will be a great place for weddings, family gatherings, for elders to go and sit and watch the summer activity at the harbor. One thing he mentioned that I thought was interesting, was that in his travels, he and Ila often find locations where the locals hang out, and believes that to be one of the true gems of a community. For a visitor to have the opportunity to meet with an elder, hear stories, find out more about the history and depth of a community has huge appeal. His hope is that the pavilion will be that place for Seldovia! This will be a gathering place, and he looks forward to it being used enthusiastically and often by our community and her members, as well as a meeting place for travelers waiting for their ferry, or just folks needing a place to sit down out of the rain!
I thanked Tim for his amazing effort and willingness to serve Seldovia with his experience and expertise. He has followed through with such a fabulous idea and I congratulated him on his success after writing his very first grant! In Seldovia, one person can make a BIG difference! Thanks Tim for all that you’ve done and continue to do for our community! We are thankful for people who step out to serve! Seldovia is fortunate to have you! Kudos, my friend!
For more information on the Alaska Scenic Byways Program please visit dot.alaska.gov or contact Marcheta Moulton, State Scenic Byways Coordinator. Email: Marcheta.moutlon@alaska.gov or 907-465-8769.
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Seldovia Time
nice job tim