2025-08-27 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2025

City and Borough of Wrangell Announces Landmark Public-Private Partnerships to Drive Long-Term Economic Growth
 

Wrangell, Alaska – The City and Borough of Wrangell is pleased to announce the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Alaska Marine Lines, American Cruise Lines, and Greensparc, a data center developer. These unprecedented partnerships represent a major step forward in the Borough’s long-term vision to enhance the community’s quality of life, strengthen the local economy, and strategically develop Wrangell’s waterfront and Deep-Water Port.

For decades, the Borough has planned to expand its waterfront for both community enjoyment and industrial growth. These initiatives, occurring in alignment for the first time, set the stage for the next 25 to 30 years of opportunity in Wrangell. The agreements include a wide range of investments: modernizing freight and cargo operations, enhancing Wrangell’s role as a destination for American Cruise Lines, and creating a pathway for Greensparc’s innovative data center development. Together, these efforts are poised to propel Wrangell’s economy to the next level.

Borough staff have worked tirelessly over the past year to align these diverse but synergistic opportunities. The MOUs mark the first step toward realizing shared goals between the Borough and its private-sector partners.

The Borough also recognizes the importance of proactively addressing concerns regarding the relocation of freight and cargo services from the downtown corridor. To that end, Wrangell is working closely with regional economists to conduct a financial impact analysis. This study will evaluate both the challenges and long-term benefits of relocation to ensure decisions are fiscally responsible and beneficial for residents, businesses, and the broader community.

“These partnerships reflect the kind of bold, future-focused collaboration Wrangell needs to secure long-term prosperity,” said Borough Manager Mason Villarma. “We are laying the groundwork not just for today, but for the next generation of Wrangell residents.”

More information about these partnerships and their potential impacts can be found in the meeting packet, available at: https://www.wrangell.com/assembly/2025-08-21-ws-special-borough-assembly-meeting
 

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