KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The oldest building in the state of Alaska and the earliest documented log structure on the west coast of the United States is about to get makeover, thanks in part to a federal grant. The 200-year-old Baranov Museum will be closed in January and February in order to upgrade its electrical and fire suppression systems. KMXT’s Erik Wander has more.
Museum director Katie Oliver said funding for the project came from a federal historic preservation grant the Baranof received last year. Additional fundraising was required, and the museum is now ready to begin the work.
— (Oliver 1 25 sec "It’s from a federal grant … February for the work.")
The federal grant came with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, in which every dollar from the federal program had to be matched by state and local funds. The city, the Rasmusen Foundation and money raised from the community through a capital fundraising drive provided the bulk of the balance of the $600,000 project.
— (Oliver 2 7 sec "The fundraising is still ongoing … 90 percent complete.")
The museum was in need of an overhaul, not only because of the age of the building, but because existing electrical and fire suppression systems were outdated.
— (Oliver 3 40 sec "We’ve really outgrown … fairly dangerous combination.")
Oliver said the fire suppression system is an advanced, water-based system, a … necessary in a wooden structure.
— (Oliver 4 32 sec "It’s called a wet pipe … heat source is coming from.")
Oliver said that Wolverine Supply Gerneral Contractors of Wasilla will be subcontracting work out to locals. Oliver hopes the Baranof will be ready to re-open by the beginning of March. I’m Erik Wander.
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