Alaska workers face a housing crisis in some communities. Employers hope that if they build it, employees will come

Some employers in Alaska are building housing for workers, aiming to combat a severe labor shortage.

That includes Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, which is building a $6.6 million facility designed for employees in middle management, who are increasingly struggling to find affordable housing there. Elsewhere in Alaska, there are efforts to convert former military barracks and a state ferry into worker lodging.

Employers hope the new housing will help find and retain workers while relieving pressure on extremely tight housing markets that have reduced rental options in many towns.