HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2002-099
I
I
I
Sponsored by: Janke
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2002-099
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, APPROVING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR YEAR
2003 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
WHEREAS, annually the City compiles a list of projects or issues that are identified as
top legislative priorities; and
WHEREAS, the list of projects is compiled into a package that is then distributed to the
Governor's Office, our legislators, the Kenai Peninsula Borough (for inclusion in their legislative
package), and our lobbyist; and
WHEREAS, this prioritized list validates the projects and greatly focuses the efforts of
the Administration in our lobbying effort; and
WHEREAS, all the projects on this list are consistent with the City's Comprehensive
and Strategic Plans; and
WHEREAS, the following projects are the City's priorities for the upcoming legislative
seSSIOn:
Life/Safety
1. $600,000 to construct satellite fire station
2. $7 million to construct new 40 bed long-term care facility
Economic Development
1. $250,000 for planning/marketing feasibility study for Seward coal facility
2. $500,000 grant for the Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery Nursery Repair and Upgrade from
the Department of Community and Economic Development
3. $2,400,000 for improvements to the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC)
4. $10,300,000 for Syncrolift facility & shipyard improvements
Port and Harbor
1. Strongly support passage of a bill that reallocates a portion of the Marine Motor Fuel
Tax receipts back into harbors where collected
Department of Transportation
1. $2,605,000 rehabilitation of Nash Road
2. $3,500,000 rehabilitation of 4th Avenue
3. Land transfer from ARRC to City of Seward - Portions of ATS 174 near coal terminal,
uplands adjacent to ATS 174, and Lot 2A in NW comer of harbor basin
4. $500,000 for design/engineering Lowell Point Road
Public Facilities
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2002-099
1. $3,500,000 to construct new library and museum facility
Public Safety
1. Expand Spring Creek Correction Facility
2. $2 million for construction of State Courthouse and Public Safety facility
Infrastructure
1. $2,100,000 for 3rd Ave. water line upgrade
2. $150,000 match to engineer water and wastewater system expansion to State Airport
3. $75,000 for engineering/design of sewer system expansion to Gateway Forest Acres
4. Support continued funding of the Capital Matching Grant Program
5. $3 million for the Alaska Railroad Dock North Access Road
Beneficial Legislation
1. Promote legislation to fund new Seward Middle School
2. Promote legislation to improve regulations in support of Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery
3. Support continuation of Medicaid and Denali Kid Care programs at not less than current
year funding levels; change re-base year calculation to use current year
4. Strong support for continued Revenue Sharing and Safe Communities funding
5. Support the Community Development Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The list oflegislative projects is hereby declared to be the official legislative
priority list for the City of Seward for the 2003 State of Alaska legislative session.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council ofthe city of Seward, Alaska, this 14 day
of October, 2002.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
...0
Edgar Blatchford, May
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Shafer, Orr, Branson, Clark, Valdatta, Blatchford
None
Calhoon
None
-
crt'< Of SE.\N p.RO, p.LAS~
RE.SOL\J\lON 2002~099
A.1'1'V$f:
(City Sea\)
.\,\\'1111",
..... l~
.:-..... O~ SEll..' ~~.
....4. ........ .~~ .~.
.. no """0 '. {I'"
:::,.~ "p':(o.< RA":" V....
t'1I .,.., t( I~:.-'''
Ill. :.... 'O-o(l ,,)
:: :$"'- "~~
..' p.J... .."1;
"" : S\:" ~ .0 ~:l
~ 0 \ ~~. :.:
,-'40 . .. ..,
':~.... --;:.:
~.,' 'V' 'T '"
.:, '..o/(,J, ~.....' .L~ '.
,~. ~'..'fIE '\.~"" .~:.",{:
.,). ."A~."'''..''. ~"",~.-...."
.... '#,. .. t..\"" ....
.;>.... .;;: 0 ('. r. ...:.-
~.r.:il~,,;'" ,.._~,';.,':~-
"'.,. ;0:"''''
I
I
-
I
I
I
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SATEllITE FIRE STATION
#1 Life/Safety
$600,000
Undetermined
Project Description/Justification
The geographic location of the City makes it subject to being physically divided in the
event of a natural disaster, leaving several sections of the city without fire or rescue
services. Location of a satellite fire station in the northern section of the city will allow the
City to provide emergency services during such a disaster and will also provide a more
timely response to the "day to day" emergencies.
This project constructs a 70' wide by 110' long steel structure on a concrete slab. There
will be two occupancies in this structure. The first being a 4,900 square foot fire station,
the second being a 2,800 square foot storage area. The fire station will have three
apparatus bays, two of which will be drive through bays. It will contain: an office area
which will be used as a secondary EOC, work area, storage area for routine supplies and
emergency shelter supplies and a housing area for personnel. The storage area will
contain storage of City assets that are used on a day to day operation as well as items
that are archived. The City does not have any storage area that is not connected to the
existing City hall the meets the requirements of "secured" storage. Off-site storage of
duplicate records is desirable to ensure continuous operation of local government.
Page 1
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
#2 Life/Safety
$7,000,000
Undetermined
Project Description/Justification
The current long-term care facility in Seward, Wesley Rehabilitation and Care Center,
has reached the end of its useful life and does not meet current code requirements. The
City of Seward has been working toward co-location of its hospital and long-term care
facility with a goal of creating more cost effective service to the community and regional
health care hub.
Through co-location operating efficiency can be established that will help to ensure
financial viability into the future for both the hospital and the long-term care facility.
It has been determined that the construction of a new 40 bed long-term care facility,
attached to the Providence Seward Medical Center, is the best way to attain co-location.
Page 2
I
I
I
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
PLANNING/MARKETING FEASILBILlTY STUDY FOR
SEWARD COAL FACILITY
#1 Economic Development
$250,000
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
In October 2002 the last coal shipment from Alaska to Korea left Seward. The loss of
this important state export has significance at the state-wide level. In Seward, 12 jobs
directly related to the coal terminal will be lost, work for local tug boats will be reduced,
sale of a significant amount of electricity will be lost, and the number of Alaska Railroad
Trains traveling to and from Seward will be greatly reduce.
The loss of the coal contract will have a significant negative impact on the revenue
stream for the Alaska Railroad, and employment at the Healy Coal Mine has already
been cut by thirty percent.
The economic impacts associated with the loss of this important resource extraction and
export industry will be detrimental to the state of Alaska's economy. Therefore, the City
of Seward is requesting assistance from the state to have a study completed to look at
coal marketing opportunities worldwide. Furthermore, the City of Seward would urge the
State to conduct a feasibility analysis of the coal terminal in Seward for use as
infrastructure for other potential uses.
Page 3
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SUPPORT QUTEKCAK SHELLFISH HATCHERY
REQUEST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
#2 Economic Development
$500,000 for Nursery Repair and Upgrade
Department of Community and Economic Development
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
The seawater pond critical to the nursery rearing of shellfish seed to market size
predates the hatchery facility by twenty years, and is shared with the University of
Alaska's Marine Science Center. Seawater intake and outflow system limitations and
breakdowns have resulted in repeated failures of the pond's phytoplankton production
necessary for seed growth and survival. The open air environment of the existing pond
has severely limited the season length of the algae bloom, and has proven challenging
from a security standpoint.
The repair and upgrade necessary to meet the demands of both facilities consists of
excavating the existing pond and installing four 250,000 liter fiberglass tanks that can be
serially drained and filled to maintain the algae culture, upgrading the intake and outflow
systems to accommodate the flows necessary for the hatchery's and university's use,
and erecting an unheated greenhouse structure over the tanks to alleviate security
concerns and to prolong the algae season through solar gain.
Page 4
I
I
I
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SEWARD MARINE INDUSTRIAL CENTER (SMIC)
#3 Economic Development
$2,400,000
Undetermined
Project Description/Justification
The Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) was originally built in 1981 using mainly
state and federal grants. SMIC consists of a 100 acre industrial development complex
on the Eastern shores of Resurrection Bay. Outside of the shipyard and syncrolift
facility, very little has been developed at SMIC over the years.
In order to encourage further economic development it has been determined that a
number of major improvements must be made.
1. $500,000 water/waste water system expansion
2. $150,000 for Public Restrooms
3. $500,000 for road improvements
4. $250,000 electric utility expansion
5. $975,000 Upland Work Area Improvements
$100,000 fill
$250,000 paving
$500,000 covered work area
$125,000 security fence
Completion of the improvements identified will allow expanded capabilities for upland
boat storage and repairs of boats that can utilize the 250 ton travel lift. Expansion of
infrastructure will also enhance opportunities for the development of other marine
support industries in the area.
Page 5
Priority:
Funding Needed:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SYNCROLlFT FACILITY & SHIPYARD
IMPROVEMENTS
#4 Economic Development
$10,300,000
T-21 Federal Highway
Title:
Project Description/Justification
The Seward Marine Industrial Center Syncrolift facility was originally built in 1983. The
Syncrolift has the capacity of lifting a 5,000 ton vessel of up to 350 feet in length.
Although the facility was originally built in 1983, no upland ancillary improvements were
constructed at that time. A minimal rail and transfer system, less than half of the original
design, was constructed in 1988. A shop building and employee rest room/locker
room facility was constructed in 2002. In order to maximize facility functions, the
attached list of improvements must be completed:
1. Transfer Pit and Rail expansion - $2,800,000
2. Additional Covered Work Area - $2,400,000
3. Additional Working Berths - $1,900,000
4. Waste Water Drain System & Paving - $3,200,000
The Syncrolift was designed with the Alaska Marine Highway and the United States
Coast Guard in mind. The lift was designed and built to be capable of lifting the Alaska
Marine Highway MN Tustumena and the numerous USCG Cutters in Alaska. Over the
years the Seward Syncrolift facility has been utilized to complete both routine
maintenance and major over-hauls for the Alaska Marine Highway, U.S. Coast Guard
and more recently the Alyeska Marine Terminal response and escort vessels in Valdez.
With current improvements the shipyard only realizes approximately 35% of its potential,
employing approximately 50 FTE on an annual basis. Completion of the above projects
will increase the capacity of the shipyard to meet its designed potential, current market
demands and will increase employment to approximately 150 FTE.
Page 6
I
I
I
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
MARINE MOTOR FUEL TAX ALLOCATION
#1 Port & Harbor
Revenue stream to leverage capital funds for harbor improvements
and upgrades
Legislative allocation of marine motor fuel tax funds back into
harbors
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
For a number of years, harbor communities and users of the harbor facilities have
argued that Marine Motor Fuel tax receipts should be allocated back to the marine
facilities where they were collected. In the 1995 legislative session, action was initiated
that would have allocated Marine Motor Fuel tax revenues back into harbor communities
as a means of developing a continuing funding source for Alaska's 140 port and harbor
facilities. Though this action was not successful, the need for a revenue stream to fund
port and harbor operations, maintenance, and improvements is still critical to harbor
communities. The City of Seward encourages legislation designed to allocate Marine
Motor Fuel tax revenues back into ports and harbors.
The allocation of Marine Motor Fuel tax revenues back into ports and harbors is
supported by port and harbor communities, interior communities with residents who
travel to the coast for recreation, the Alaska Municipal Manager's Association, the Alaska
Harbormaster's Association, and the Alaska Municipal League.
HB 243 was introduced late in the first session of the 21st Legislature and will provide a
vehicle for this policy discussion.
Page 7
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
NASH ROAD
#1 Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
$2,605,000 rehabilitation
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan
Project Description/Justification
The project is the repair and resurfacing of the roadway and culverts between MP 0 to
5.3 Nash Road. The project requirements are similar to the original submission in the
STIP process, though the condition of the road has further deteriorated.
This roadway has not received any significant repair work since the early 1980's. The
road surface is in critical disrepair, and some of the culverts under the roadway have
begun to collapse causing significant swells. Nash Road is the only access for a number
of businesses and other facilities including Seward Ships Dry Dock, Inc., the City's North
Dock, a City Rock Quarry site, a State recreational beach, a new dock and small boat
harbor development, and the State's only maximum security prison, the Spring Creek
Correctional Center. These are year-round businesses that depend on safe access to
their work sites.
Page 8
I
I
I
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
4TH AVENUE
#2 Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
$3,500,000 rehabilitation
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan
Project Description/Justification
The main transportation route between downtown Seward and the Seward Small Boat
Harbor, the two major commerce centers in Seward, is 4th Avenue. This street has a
very high level of traffic and is deteriorating rapidly. Besides the need for improving the
road surface, this is a vital link in our efforts to revitalize the downtown business district.
Furthermore, large numbers of pedestrians walk this route every day, especially during
summer months. 4th Ave. does not currently have a complete sidewalk system between
the small boat harbor and downtown, which causes concerns regarding safety and
affects the tourist experience. This project would resurface approximately 1.5 miles of
road and complete the sidewalk system, including some pedestrian amenities between
the small boat harbor and downtown Seward.
Page 9
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
TRANSFER OF LAND FROM ARRC TO CITY OF
SEWARD
#3 Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Project Description/Justification
Before the earthquake of 1964, the City of Seward owned all of ATS 174, which includes
all of the Alaska Railroad Corporation lands in question. After the earthquake, the
railroad determined it was not feasible to rebuild and made plans to pull out of Seward.
The City negotiated a land trade to keep the railroad in Seward. The land now occupied
by the 4th Avenue Dock, the SeaLife Center and the Institute of Marine Science were
traded for the portions of ATS 174 at the head of Resurrection Bay. This essentially
gave all of the tidelands and adjacent uplands surrounding the new harbor basin to the
railroad. In the late 70s and early 80s, the railroad transferred ownership from the
federal government to the state. This process left some unanswered questions relating
to land ownership and did not address future needs of the harbor.
The first issue involves the right of way for the tracks and trestle that used to occupy
what is now the main upland portion of the harbor. The area in question is 4th Avenue
west to the harbor basin and north of the F Float fire lane. In at least one lease, (the U.
S. Coast Guard) the lot is partly on ARRC land and partly on city land. There is a sliver
of city land between 4th Avenue and that portion of the Alaska Railroad Seward Terminal
Reserve specified as Parcel 1 in ARRC contract 6725(Pruitt's hotel lease site) and there
are two small lots within the harbor basin just directly north of J Float approach trestle,
that portion of the Alaska Railroad Seward Terminal Reserve specified as Parcel 2 & 2A
in ARRC Contract 6725. Lots 2 & 2A within the basin appear to be an oversight during
all the land transfers, since it does not make any sense to have third party ownership of
a portion of the harbor basin. This presents access, ownership and development
conflicts. Lots 2 & 2A should belong to the city. The other issues associated with the
right-of-way should also be cleared up and a replat completed showing clear land
ownership and title of continuous land masses.
The tideland portion of A TS 174 east of the coal trestle and up to the existing tidelands
owned by the city are needed to complete the East Harbor Expansion project. This
project includes construction of a new breakwater adjacent to the coal trestle and out
approximately 1600 feet. As a result of an extensive feasibility study conducted by the
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, this expansion project was determined to
be the only alternative available. The tidelands west of the coal trestle need to be
acquired in order to complete this much needed project.
Page 10
I
I
I
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
A portion of A TS 174 adjacent to the coal trestle and upland of the tidal area mentioned
above is needed to provide access to new slips and parking for the new basin area. The
northeast parking area is too small to accommodate all the traffic associated with the
launch ramp and adding approximately 350 slips on this side of the harbor only
compounds the problem. This area is leased by Suneel Corporation, is fenced, and
largely unused. This area would greatly facilitate access to the new slips and basin,
expand parking and provide the opportunity for future dry stack storage of smaller boats.
Page 11
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
LOWELL POINT ROAD
#4 Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
$500,000 design/engineer
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan
Project Description/Justification
Currently Lowell Point Road is used by City of Seward employees to reach the city sewer
treatment lagoon, by users of Caines Head State Park, and by the residents of Lowell
Point. The population of Lowell Point, which is approximately 80, has a projected
increase to 1000 residents in 20 years.
The road which runs between Seward and Lowell Point is a gravel road bounded by
Resurrection bay on one side and steep mountains on the other. When the road was
constructed, no method of drainage was installed. As rain run and snow melt run down
the mountains and onto the road huge ruts and potholes are formed. Because of the
aforementioned the road has to be continuously maintained, is unpleasant to drive, and
causes excessive wear and tear on vehicles.
The most dangerous aspects of the road are the avalanches and rock slides which come
down the steep mountain face. Depending on the size of the slide and the time of day
the road could be closed for hours until the cleanup is completed. While the road closure
may be an inconvenience for the residents of Lowell Point the road has the potential to
be fatal if a slide was to come down a passing vehicle.
Lowell Point Road needs to be redesigned to provide a maintainable and adequate
driving surface and a safe avenue of travel between the City of Seward and Lowell Point.
Page 12
- --
._----
~
;j
~
-E~
1!
-r
.J)
rh
C'\
---
.-/
-
~
2-
.
.
'"
.;:;,
~
.d
la
t
t/'J.
~
o
~
~
o
p...
..-
"U
~
.....
~
'i
...
.5
g
o
N
:0
C:!
-
..-
-
I
I
I
Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
#1 Public Facilities
$3,620,000
Undermined
Project Description/Justification
The current City of Seward Public Library was constructed in the 1930's as a retail
grocery store and consists of approximately, 900 square feet of usable floor area, of
which 50% is at street level and 50% is basement space.
In June 2002 a Preliminary Condition Survey and Expansion Investigation of the library
facility was conducted. Based on this study it was determined that the current library
was experiencing program deficiencies, due to lack of space. The consultant, Architects
Alaska, determined that the library needs approximately 17,000 square feet of floor
area. The estimated cost for the library replacement is $2,800.000. ($164/sq ft)
The community is also in need of additional museum space and would like to have the
museum and library co-located in order to both serve our customers and to create cost
efficiencies. It has been determined that a 5000 sq ft museum attached to the new
library would add an additional $820,000 to the total project cost.
Page 13
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SPRING CREEK CORRECTION CENTER FACILITY
EXPANSION
#1 Public Safety
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
The State of Alaska has certain constitutional and statutory duties to provide educational
opportunities to prisoners for eventual reintegration of those prisoners into society.
Spring Creek Correctional Center has operated a successful pilot program that is
intended to accomplish those duties. This legislation would provide space for an
educational program, a vocational training program, and housing for the inmates in those
programs. Additionally, some work will need to be accomplished on the site although the
core area of the facility is sufficient to accommodate the proposed expansion.
Page 14
I
I
I
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
STATE COURTHOUSE & PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY
#2 Public Safety
$2 million construction
Project Description/Justification
The City and State offices are experiencing severe overcrowding, inefficiencies in space
allocation, the cost of renting additional space, and the inability to completely mitigate
ADA accessibility issues. The City of Seward took the time to look at this problem
through a broad perspective, and has determined that the State and City need to look at
the concept of a joint courthouse/public safety building. The intent would be to co-locate
the state offices, the court system, the State Troopers, City Police and Jail, and other
public safety agencies into a single facility. The new facility would allow for economies of
scale in construction and operations, continuity between state and public safety
operations, and the ability for the City to house all of its "City Hall" functions in one
building.
Page 15
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
WATER LINE UPGRADE FOR THIRD AVENUE
#1 Infrastructure
$2,100,000 construction
Department of Environmental Conservation
Project Description/Justification
This project will entail replacement of approximately 7300 feet of asbestos cement water
main on the Seward Highway between Port Avenue and Railway Avenue. The project
will also require relocation of portions of the water main, replacing service lines,
reconnecting fire hydrants, and reinstalling valves. The project is also, in part,
necessitated by the 0-8 mile State D.O.T project, which will include resurfacing of the
existing roadway.
This project will reduce O&M costs, improve fire flows, and reduce the potential for a
system failure that could shut down the main access road into Seward. This will be
accomplished by realigning and replacing the existing 14 in. asbestos cement pipe with
16 in. Ductile Iron pipe between Dairy Hill Lane and Van Buren St. (approximately 2200
ft.), and replacing the 6 in. asbestos cement pipe with 10 in. Ductile Iron pipe between
Van Buren St. and Railway Ave. The existing 14 in. AC pipe (constructed in 1962) is
located along the edge of the lagoon and beneath a boardwalk, making repairs nearly
impossible without draining the lagoon, shutting down the Seward Highway and
removing the boardwalk. The 6 in. asbestos cement pipes (constructed in 1952) are
shallow (3-6 feet deep), leak (likely the result of frequent earthquakes and freeze related
damage) and limit the availability of fire flows.
This project is needed to reduce water main and service line freezing problems in
downtown Seward, as well as also reducing the risk of water shortages in the Small Boat
Harbor area and the northern section of the community. Fire flow capacity will be greatly
increased in the areas south of the Small Boat Harbor when this project is completed.
Page 16
I
I
I
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
ENGINEER WATER AND WASTEWATER
EXPANSION TO STATE AIRPORT - Phase I
#2 Infrastructures
$150,000 MATCH
Department of Environmental Conservation
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
SYSTEM
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
This project will be designed to extend both water and wastewater utilities to the State
Airport in Seward, to provide water and wastewater services that are not currently
available. The provision of these essential services will allow for industrial development
in the area surrounding the airport. This project will result in a looped water system
which will provide increased water pressure to the railroad dock area. A pressure
increase in the dock area is needed for increased fire protection, as shown in the water
system analysis completed by CRW Engineering.
Phase I of this project will involve the hiring of an engineer to complete design
engineering of the utility extension. Phase II will be the construction phase.
The extension of utilities to the airport will allow both economic development and job
creation. The airport location is ideally suited for industrial development as the property
is surrounded by the airport, docks, railroad and the Seward Highway. This is a key
intermodal transportation system project.
Page 17
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SEWER SYSTEM EXPANSION TO GATEWAY FOREST
ACRES
#3 Infrastructures
$75,000 engineering/design
Department of Environmental Conservation
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
Currently, the City is in the process of upgrading the water distribution system in the
western portion of the Forest Acres Subdivision. Upon completion of this project (2003),
the City can reasonably expect to see residential development in this area. There
presently is not a wastewater collection system available for potential development in
this area. The development of a wastewater collection system in the western reaches of
the Forest Acres Subdivision will greatly enhance the opportunity for residential
development inside the city limits of Seward. Due to the topography of the western
portion of Forest Acres, design and construction of the wastewater collection system in
this area will be quite challenging. Making the collection system available to property
development in this area will enhance the community as a whole. Increasing the
potential for residential development has been a priority of Seward's leadership for
several years.
This project will also assist the City in its endeavor to protect the vital area surrounding
the City's water source. Presently, the City's only source for its drinking water is located
in the Fort Raymond Subdivision. Fort Raymond Subdivision is located directly to the
south and east of this wastewater collection project. The Jap Creek aquifer travels in an
easterly direction and has the potential to be contaminated by groundwater pollution to
the north and west. In an attempt to be proactive, the City feels that development of a
wastewater collection system in the southwest portion of Forest Acres Subdivision will
accomplish both of our objectives: (1) We will provide residential development
opportunities within the city limits, (2) We will protect our pristine source of drinking
water, by providing an alternative to on site septic systems in the western parts of Forest
Acres.
CRW has done some small amounts of preliminary design work on this project.
Page 18
I
I
I
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SUPPORT FOR THE MUNICIPAL CAPITAL MATCHING
GRANT PROGRAM
#4 Infrastructure
At least $76,484
Municipal Capital Matching Grant Program, Department of
Community and Economic Development
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
The City has actively participated in the State of Alaska's Municipal Capital Matching
Grants Program since its inception. Through participation and dedicated matching funds
and in-kind services, the City has been able to accomplish numerous projects which
enhance public and property safety, public facilities, quality of life items and ADA
compliance projects which have arisen due to new demands. In past years, the City has
qualified for approximately $76,000 per year in state matching funds for these projects.
The City supports the continuation of the program at present and/or increased levels of
funding.
The grant program is a good program where communities work with the State to share in
investment of important capital projects. Seward has never shirked from carrying its
share in support of this program in order to improve facilities and services for its
citizenry.
Page 19
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
ALASKA RAILROAD DOCK NORTH ACCESS ROAD
#5 Infrastructure
$3 million
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan
Project Description/Justification
Access to the Alaska Railroad Dock is currently limited to one dead-end road, Port
Avenue, that past experience has shown becomes unusable to traffic due to flooding.
The 1995 flood-covered portions of the road to a depth of up to 3 feet in places and also
washed out a 200-foot section to a depth of 15 feet. In addition, commercial and
industrial traffic on this road to and from the Alaska Railroad Dock has increased
substantially in recent years due to the significantly higher numbers of cruise ships
stopping in Seward. This traffic will continue to increase with the Alaska Railroad Dock
expansion and renovation. The intersection of Port Avenue and the Seward Highway
has become extremely busy due to this increased traffic creating a life/safety hazard.
Another access road to the dock is necessary. It will also allow for a more circular flow
of traffic, which is particularly important with cruise ship buses and cargo. They could
route around the city streets and Port Avenue with direct access to the highway.
Page 20
I
I
I
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
PROMOTE LEGISLATION TO FUND NEW SEWARD
MIDDLE SCHOOL
#1 Beneficial Legislation
$14.7 Million
Department of Education
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
Two years ago, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Board of Education appropriated funds to
conduct a code compliance review of the Seward Middle School. This school was
constructed in 1968. The code review was recently completed, and a final report was
issued to the School District on May 31,2002.
This report stated that the cost to bring Seward Middle School into compliance with the
2000 Uniform Building Code, to upgrade building standards to current building standards
in Alaska, and to cover the cost of portable classrooms for the two years such repairs
and renovations would take, was estimated to be $10,700,000. It was further estimated
that these renovations would extend the life expectancy of the building by approximately
10 years.
The cost to construct a new middle school to meet student needs for the next 30 to 50
years is estimated to cost no more than $14,700,000.
The Seward Site Council, the Seward City Council and the Kenai Peninsula Board of
Education have recommended construction of a new school to replace the existing
middle school. It is the intent of the School District to continue to use the existing middle
school during construction of the new facility to eliminate the need for portable
classrooms. Operating and maintenance costs of the new facility are expected to be
lower than the existing facility.
In the regular Kenai Peninsula Borough election held October 1, 2002 the voters of the
Kenai Peninsula supported Proposition No.3 - $14,700,000 General Obligation Bond for
Seward Middle School Construction by a vote of 65.89% Yes and 34.11 % No.
Page 21
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
PROMOTE LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE
REGULATIONS IN SUPPORT OF QUTEKCAK
SHELLFISH HATCHERY
#2 Beneficial Legislation
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
Promote regulatory changes designed to accomplish the goals of the Aquatic Farm Act,
i.e., to support and foster the growth of the aquatic farming industry in Alaska. This goal
can be attained by implementing rational, implied, and transparent regulatory and
permitting processes that are based on scientifically sound conservation and
enhancement policies, in order to provide a sustainable resource plus economic and
social benefits.
The City of Seward leases the State owned Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery from the State,
and assigns the lease to the Qutekcak Native Tribe for operations and maintenance.
Prior to construction of the hatchery there was no in-state source of spat, and Alaska
growers were limited to one species (oysters) imported from out of state. The purpose of
and rationale for building the hatchery, as envisioned by the state, is to provide a reliable
source of a variety of indigenous species of higher value shellfish spat to growers in the
State so that the industry may diversify and grow. Since construction regulations have
been interpreted by the Department of Fish and Game (F&G) in a manner that has
limited the industry's growth and the hatchery's ability to fulfill its mission. Those
interpretations have resulted in an audit by the Legislature of the F&G's performance of
their duties regarding shellfish farming, and a District court appeal of an F&G
administrative decision denying applications for aquatic farming permits. The results of
the audit will be made public after Jan. 8, 2001; the court appeal is scheduled for spring
2001. In the meantime F&G in late December 2000 proposed a major re-write of the
regulations regarding aquatic farming that if adopted will virtually eliminate any possibility
of presently pending or future applicants being granted permits. Existing farms will be at
risk of losing their permits. If these regulations are adopted, or if existing regulations
continue to be applied as they have in the past, the hatchery will lose the market for its
product, and will fail along with the industry.
In the last ten years shellfish farming has grown to a $40 million industry in Florida, a $50
million industry in Delaware; British Columbia is well along toward its goal of having a
$100 million shellfish industry. There is no biological, environmental, or technological
reason that Alaska cannot have the same; the only hurdle is a regulatory blockade.
Page 22
I
I
I
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SUPPORT CONTINUATION OF MEDICAID AND
DENALI KID CARE PROGRAMS AT NOT LESS THAN
CURRENT YEAR FUNDING LEVELS
#3 Beneficial Legislation
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
Medicaid reimbursement rates for long term care are not adequate. It is a challenge for
long term care facilities to care for an increasingly fragile population under the current
Medicaid rate. We encourage the State of Alaska to ensure continued long term care
availability for our elderly and disabled population.
Denali KidCare is a State of Alaska program that ensures that children and teens of both
working and non-working families can have the health insurance they need. Denali
KidCare provides excellent health insurance coverage for children and teens through
age 18, and for pregnant women who meet income guidelines. There is no cost for
eligible children, teens and pregnant women. However, youth who are 18 years-old may
be required to share a limited amount of the cost for some services. This program is
primarily for individuals without health insurance.
Well child care is important to Alaska's children to prevent disease, find and treat
problems early, and maintain good health. Denali KidCare children and teens receive the
full range of prevention and treatment services
It is important to continue to support this program as it covers a large segment of the
Seward population, and helps provide health care for our children and prenatal care for
expectant mothers.
Page 23
Project Title:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
SUPPORT CONTINUED REVENUE
SAFE COMMUNITIES FUNDING
#4 Beneficial Legislation
SHARING AND
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
Project Description/Justification
The largest impact on municipalities is the Legislative reduction of Municipal Revenue
Sharing at 33%, which is equal to nearly 4% of all property taxes collected in 1998 by
municipalities from homeowners and businesses (excluding oil property). However, a
quick review of the FY 2000 State budget reveals dozens of other services and revenues
that will very likely double the ultimate cost to local communities and taxpayers. Without
State Revenue Sharing taxpayers pay twice to maintain roads, subsidize state
operations, and local taxes go up.
Last year, local taxpayers paid an estimated $85 million more in taxes (approximately
15% of all local taxes collected) to subsidize state operations and make up for the failure
of the State to return gas tax revenues generated on local roads. The Legislature also
cut municipal revenue sharing to local taxpayers by 33%, from $47 million to $31.6
million.
Local taxpayers pay fuel taxes to the State to drive on locally maintained roads, and then
have to pay property or sales taxes to maintain those same roads. Local taxpayers
should expect the State to return a proportionate share of fuel taxes. Most states share
gas tax revenues with local taxpayers. Total statewide motor fuel taxes are
approximately $23.9 million. According to State figures, municipally maintained "lane
miles" are 43.5% of total state and local roads/highway system. Therefore, to be fair to
local taxpayers, the state should return 43.5% of the gas tax, or $10.4 million, though a
road revenue sharing program.
State mandated property and sales tax exemptions for state operations are by far the
largest local tax exemptions. The State, like any public or private operation, consumes
local public services. Those services are paid for by additional taxes from all local
taxpayers.
When money that was traditionally shared with municipalities is taken away and more
responsibility for providing services is transferred to municipal governments, there are
only two possible municipal responses: local taxes go up to replace the losses and/or
other local services go down. Each of the fifty states shares some of the revenues they
collect with their municipalities. In Alaska, this revenue has primarily been from oil. Oil
revenues belong to all of the people of Alaska and should be shared with local
taxpayers.
Page 24
I
I
I
Project Title:
Priority:
Funding Need:
Funding Source:
2003 City of Seward State Legislative Priorities
TRACK THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
#5 Beneficial Legislation
Revenue stream to offset continually decreasing State revenue
sharing
Funding source will be determined as concept is developed.
Project Description/Justification
The concept of a "permanent fund" for communities has been much debated in the past
couple of years. Representative Gary Davis had worked to develop this concept into a
plan called the Community Development Program. The Alaska Municipal League
strongly supported this concept at their 1998 annual meeting. The City of Seward will
support efforts to develop this concept into legislative reality that benefits the
municipalities of the State of Alaska.
Page 25