HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2009-003 Laid on the Table — not approved Sponsored by: Administration
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2009 -03
A RESOLUTION OF THE PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD,
PROVIDING A RECOMMENDATION TO SEWARD CITY COUNCIL
SUPPORTING THE LOW - IMPACT RUN -OF -RIVER HYDROELECTRIC
FACILITY PROPOSED ON FOURTH OF JULY CREEK
WHEREAS, the Port and Commerce Advisory Board has the responsibility outlined in SCC
§ 2.30.325 to make recommendations to the City Council concerning the design and coordination of
projects in developing energy in Seward: and
WHEREAS, the Port and Commerce Advisory Board has the responsibility outlined in SCC
§ 2.30.325 to provide input to the City Council on policy and procedural matters involving the
establishment of commercial activity; and
WHEREAS, Independence Power, LLC and Alaskan corporation based in Anchorage and
owned by Alaskans has proposed to construct a low- impact run -of -river hydroelectric facility on
Fourth of July Creek within the City of Seward; and
WHEREAS, Independence Power, LLC believes, based upon available information, that the
hydroelectric project would not significantly affect (1) fish habitat in Fourth ofJuly Creek, (2) public
drinking water supplies in the Fourth of July Creek vicinity, (3) aesthetics in the project vicinity, or
(4) flood hazards to existing developments in the Fourth of July Creek area; and
WHEREAS, Independence Power, LLC believes, based upon available information, that the
hydroelectric project would have an installed capacity of 3.0 to 4.5 megawatts, and produce 17,000
to 23,000 megawatt -hours of energy annually; and
WHEREAS, the hydroelectric project would provide local renewable energy to the Seward
vicinity, increasing reliability of electrical service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Independence Power, LLC has applied for grant funds from the State
Renewable Energy Grant Program for a reconnaissance study, feasibility study, permitting, design,
and construction of the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PORT AND COMMERCE
ADVISORY BOARD OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The Board recommends that the City Council endorses and supports the proposed
hydroelectric project on Fourth of July Creek, and recognizes that the project would provide
numerous direct and indirect long -term benefits to the City of Seward and the railbelt population
generally.
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Section 2. The Board recommends that the City Council supports Independence Power,
LLC's application for grant funds from the Renewable Energy Grant Program.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board of the City of
Seward, Alaska, this 1st day of April, 2009.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Ron Long, Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Jean Lewis, CMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)