Throughout 2025, the Thayer Creek Hydro Project continued to move successfully through Phase I, making steady progress toward advancing this important long-term energy project for the community of Angoon. Phase I, known as the Stillwater Phase, has focused on laying the foundation for the project. This work includes construction and installation of the dock and piles, as well as construction of the gangway. These elements are currently in progress and will be completed concurrently as weather conditions allow. Phase I also includes continued coordination among project partners and regulatory agencies, serving as a trial run for work that will take place on U.S. Forest Service land during Phase II of the project. Nate Soboleff, who joined the project team in 2025 and serves as Project Manager, shared, “We’re pleased with the progress made last year and are navigating numerous challenges to keep the project on track. We are currently in year two of a four-year development timeline and have undertaken important planning work that will transition the project into Phase II.” Phase II of the project will focus on road construction, including approximately six miles of roadway extending from the Stillwater area to Thayer Creek. Kootznoowoo has contracted Rock-N-Road Construction, Inc., an Alaska-based company, to build the road. “This is the same contractor that successfully completed Phase I, and we are excited to continue working with them,” Soboleff said. “Rock-N-Road currently has equipment on site, creating efficiencies as the project transitions into the next phase.” Road construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and is expected to take up to a year and a half to complete, depending on factors such as weather conditions and regulatory processes. Before construction begins, the project team continues to work through several important regulatory and environmental steps. These include coordination with the U.S. Forest Service on the location of rock quarry sites, completion of a timber cruise, and geological work to ensure the road alignment avoids environmentally sensitive areas. “These steps are essential to ensuring the project proceeds responsibly and in compliance with all applicable requirements,” Soboleff said. Looking ahead, Phase III of the project will include the run-of-the-river hydroelectric build, powerhouse construction, and transmission lines. While progress continues, the project has experienced some delays related to federal shutdown impacts and reimbursement timing, which are being actively managed. “Employment and local hire opportunities remain an important focus for the project,” said President and Chief Executive Officer J. Keith Greene. “While Kootznoowoo does not directly control contractor staffing, the corporation continues to prioritize local hire whenever possible. Current hiring needs include specialized roles such as marine mammal observers, and additional opportunities may arise during road construction, subject to contractor requirements. We encourage shareholders to regularly check the Kootznoowoo jobs page on our website for the latest hiring opportunities.”

Kootznoowoo, Inc. is seeking one Administrative Intern for the upcoming summer to work at the corporate office in Juneau. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in a professional office setting and is ideal for individuals interested in building administrative and basic accounting skills.  The intern will receive exposure to basic accounting, generate office, and administrative tasks. The internship will run from May to August and will pay $18 per hour for up to 30 hours per week.  Shareholders or descendants who are currently enrolled in a college, university, or vocational program are eligible to apply. To apply, submit a letter of interest to President & CEO Keith Greene at info@kootznoowoo.com.

Kootznoowoo, Inc. is pleased to announce that the 53rd Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Angoon, Alaska, at the Angoon Elementary School Gym. At the meeting, the terms of Board Directors Frank Jack III and Sharon Love will conclude, and two Board seats will be up for election. Eligible shareholders interested in running for a seat on the Board of Directors must submit a complete candidate packet by the March 11, 2026 deadline in order to be included on the corporate proxy. Shareholders who wish to receive a candidate packet may contact the Kootznoowoo Corporate Office at (907) 790-2992 or email info@kootznoowoo.com.

Kootznoowoo, Inc. is seeking one Administrative Intern for the upcoming summer to work at the corporate office in Juneau. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in a professional office setting and is ideal for individuals interested in building administrative and basic accounting skills. Shareholders or descendants who are currently enrolled in a college, university, or vocational program are eligible to apply. Duration: May-August Schedule: 4–6 hours per day Duties may include: Basic accounting, general office, administrative tasks Compensation: $18 per hour Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest to Kootznoowoo President & CEO, J. Keith Green at info@kootznoowoo.com.

The Kootznoowoo Permanent Fund Settlement Trust (KPFST) announced that it will make a distribution of $3.87 per trust unit on February 1, 2026. The record date for this distribution is Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Alaska Time). All changes and updates to shareholder records—including names, addresses, and banking information—must be completed by this deadline to be applied to this distribution. Changes requested after the record date may result in payment delays. Shareholders may update their information through the MyKootznoowoo Shareholder Portal or by contacting Shareholder Services at (907) 790-2992 or info@kootznoowoo.com.