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IICITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2016-077
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO ALASKA
STATUTES CHAPTER 30.30 AND 05.25 IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT
AND PREVENTION OF DERELICT VESSELS
WHEREAS,hundreds of derelict vessels currently litter Alaska's coastline and harbors and
these numbers will increase every year unless action is taken to address aging fleets and changing
commercial fisheries; and
WHEREAS,in the past year alone there have been numerous derelict vessel situations that
have cost the state,municipalities,and the federal government considerable expense,including two
ex-Navy tugs in Adak,abandoned barges in Steamboat Slough near Bethel,and the tug Challenger
that sunk off Juneau; and
WHEREAS,the City of Seward recognizes the widespread costs and the environmental and
navigational risks for both municipalities and the state associated with derelict vessels; and
WHEREAS, neighboring states have dramatically strengthened their derelict vessel
prevention laws in the past five years to better prevent,track and manage derelict vessels,including
raising fees to support state management of derelict vessels and requiring vessel insurance ; and
WHEREAS,in 1990 the Alaska legislature passed a resolution acknowledging the need to
better understand and address the existing and growing problem of derelict vessels around the state;
and
WHEREAS,the State of Alaska has outdated statutes regarding derelict vessels which lack
the ability to track vessel owners,agency enforcement authority,statewide coordination of response,
funding or vessel insurance requirements ; and
WHEREAS, in 2013 the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators
supported the creation of the ad-hoc derelict vessel task force which includes representatives from
state and federal agencies as well as the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port
Administrators, regional tribal representatives, federal and state legislative offices, and private
industry ; and
WHEREAS, over nine full-day meetings, the task force developed thoughtful, robust and
meaningful proposed changes that will help all stakeholders around the state, including harbor
facilities, better address and prevent derelict vessels ; and
WHEREAS,this will help protect harbor infrastructure,keep valuable moorage space in our
harbor available,and will prevent unsustainable economic,environmental and navigational hazards;
and
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2016-077
WHEREAS,the proposed changes will improve communication and coordination between
Alaska's harbors and state and federal agencies,directly leading to decreased costs associated with
managing derelict vessels.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. Fully supports the passage by the state legislature of all proposed revisions in
Alaska Statutes 30.30 and 05.25.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 21St day of
November 2016.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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an Bardarson Mayor
AYES: Casagranda, Keil, Squires, McClure, Altermatt, Slater, Bardarson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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Agenda Statement
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Meeting Date: November 21, 2016 ;�►.: ;,' ��'o
To: City Council ' a
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Through: City Manager Jim Hunt
From: Harbormaster Norm Regis
Agenda Item: Support of proposed changes to Alaska statutes chapter 30.30 and
05.25 improving the management and prevention of derelict vessels.
BACKGROUND& JUSTIFICATION:
In 1990 the Alaska legislature passed a resolution acknowledging the need to better understand and
address the existing and growing problem of derelict vessels around the state. In 2013 the Alaska
Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators supported the creation of the ad-hoc derelict
vessel task force which includes representatives from state and federal agencies as well as the Alaska
Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators, regional tribal representatives, federal and
state legislative offices,and private industry.Over nine full-day meetings,the task force developed
thoughtful,robust and meaningful proposed changes that will help all stakeholders around the state,
including harbor facilities, better address and prevent derelict vessels. The proposed changes will
improve communication and coordination between Alaska's harbors and state and federal agencies,
directly leading to decreased costs associated with managing derelict vessels.
INTENT:
To support proposed changes to Alaska Statutes Chapter 30.30 and 05.25 improving the management
and prevention of derelict vessels.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A
1 Comprehensive Plan(page 14): Public Safety, Encourage marine safety X
activities.
2. Strategic Plan (page 18): Promote a safe community X
3. Other(list):
FISCAL NOTE: There is no fiscal note for this Agenda Statement and Resolution; this is to
support the proposed changes to Alaska Statutes Chapter 30.30 and 05.25 improving management
and prevention of derelict vessels.
Approved by Finance Department: , ,1, ,
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X
78
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve Resolution 2016- O77authorizing the City Administration and lobbyist to urge the
state legislature and Governor to support the proposed changes to Alaska Statutes Chapter 30.30 and
05.25 improving management and prevention of derelict vessels.
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