A representative from USKH (Fairbanks architect firm) talks with local contractors about the energy efficient building design.

The short powerpoint presentation gave a brief overview of the project's history and highlighted features and functions of the proposed Tok APLIC.

Tok Chamber of Commerce representative talks with Tetlin's new Deputy Refuge Manager about collaborative efforts between the new facility and the existing visitor center operated by the Chamber.

On January 30, Tetlin Refuge and the Tok Alaska Public Lands Information Center (APLIC) personnel hosted a meeting to mobilize community support for a proposed Tok APLIC on an 8 acre site purchased by the Refuge in 2008. Residents and contractors shared their ideas and questions with government staffs and representatives from the Tok Chamber of Commerce and architects from USKH after a short presentation on the history of APLIC. A Tok Chamber representative concluded the evening by encouraging interested parties to send letters of support to State officials.  Within days, letters from local organizations, businesses and the school district were submitted to the Governor’s Office to accompany the State’s request for economic stimulus funding.

Justification for the Tok APLIC partnership is found in Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANIILCA) legal purposes that direct Tetlin Refuge “to provide opportunities for interpretation and environmental education, particularly in conjunction with any adjacent State visitor facilities.” The Refuge, Tok APLIC, Alaska Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities and Tok Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a year-round center that that will provide educational opportunities as well as one-stop trip planning for recreational activities for motorists entering via the Alaska Highway. The first large community on the Alaska Highway, Tok is the “Gateway to Alaska” and the APLIC will reach 200,000 visitors and residents annually. School groups, organizations, and local communities will equally benefit from the multi-purpose 110-person theater, 25 student classroom, exhibit hall, and book store.