Planning and Land Management

Alaska Riverine and Coastal Community Stewardship

State of Alaska > Commerce > DCRA > Planning and Land Management > Newtok Planning Group

The Newtok Planning Group was formed in May 2006 when representatives from
state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations began meeting with Newtok to
coordinate assistance in the relocation of the community to a new village site on Nelson Island. The relocation site is called Mertarvik, which in Yup’ik means, “getting water from the spring.”

New!
Mertarvik Waterfront Development Study (main report, 2 MB)
Appendices A-B, Mertarvik Waterfront Development Study (2 MB)
Appendix C, Mertarvik Waterfront Development Study (2 MB)
Appendices D-E, Mertarvik Waterfront Development Study (2 MB)

The village of Newtok is threatened by advancing erosion caused by the Ninglick River adjacent to the village. This progressive erosion, in combination with permafrost degradation and flooding of the village during seasonal storms has created a serious threat to the existence of the village. Years of erosion studies have concluded that Newtok must relocate as there is no permanent and cost-effective alternative for remaining at the current village site.

In 2006, the Newtok Traditional Council requested the assistance of the Division of Community and Regional Affairs, within the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) with Newtok's relocation effort. DCCED is tasked by two Alaska Administrative Orders (AO 231 and AO 239) "to act as the state coordinating agency to coordinate with the other state and federal agencies to propose long-term solutions to the ongoing erosion issues in... affected coastal communities..." To carry out this coordination, the Newtok Planning Group (NPG) was formed.

The NPG has met regularly since its formation, working with Newtok and across agencies to leverage resources, secure funding and to establish a framework and strategy for moving the relocation process forward. Download a list of the participants in the NPG.

Through this unique partnership, a range of initiatives, studies, and pioneer infrastructure projects have been completed or are currently underway at Mertarvik. Collaboration among Newtok and state and federal agencies has been behind the success of every project.

Over the past six years, a community layout plan has been developed for the new townsite, a suite of emergency response plans has been completed, design of an evacuation shelter has been completed and construction initiated, and studies are underway for water/sewer and alternative energy infrastructure, housing, quarry development and a future airport. From 2009 to 2010, a barge landing facility and access road were completed. The NPG is currently working with a contractor to develop a Strategic Management Plan to guide the relocation of the Newtok community.

The beginning of a new village...Mertarvik Barge landing, Access road and evacuation center foundation (right). Photo: Harvey Smith, DOT/PF

The collaborative partnership of the Newtok Planning Group was enhanced in 2008 by the addition of the military Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRTP). The IRTP provides quality services to remote communities while affording training to military personnel. The IRTP has made a five-year commitment to the Newtok relocation effort by providing labor and transportation of materials and equipment for the construction of critical infrastructure at the new village. In the summer of 2010, the IRTP helped construct an access road leading from the Mertarvik barge landing to the future village site. In 2011, the IRTP began preliminary work on a quarry and an evacuation shelter that will provide safe haven to the community if the current village floods during storms.

To learn more about the emergency response and relocation work currently underway for Newtok and the new village site, Mertarvik, please see the drop-down menu titled "Emergency Response/ Relocation Work", below.

To learn more about erosion, flooding and village relocation efforts at Newtok, go to:

A Brief History of the Settlement of Newtok and
Village Relocation Efforts

Resources

Newtok Community Information Summary (community profile)

Meeting Minutes/Agendas

Emergency Response/ Relocation Work

Newtok Planning Group Documents

Reports and Studies

Maps and Aerial Photos

In the News

Field Trip Photos

Presentations and Slideshows

For more information, contact:
Sally Cox Planner, Planner, (907) 269-4588
Newtok Planning Group Coordinator
Program Manager, DCRA Community Coastal Impact and Climate Change Programs
sally.cox@alaska.gov