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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2021-010Sponsored by: Regis CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2021-010 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR YEAR 2021 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES WHEREAS, the City annually compiles a list of projects or issues that are identified as top Federal legislative priorities; and WHEREAS, the list of projects is compiled and distributed to the Kenai Peninsula Borough, our congressional delegation and City of Seward federal lobbyist; and WHEREAS, this resolution validates projects, prioritizes needs, and focuses the efforts of City administration in its lobbying efforts; and WHEREAS, the passage of this resolution occurs through a public process; and WHEREAS, all projects on this list are consistent with the City's Comprehensive and Strategic Plans. ' NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that: Section 1. This list of city projects is hereby declared to be the official Federal priority list for the City of Seward for calendar year 2021: A. APPROPRIATIONS AND GRANTS • Appropriating funding for the development of the new Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter facilities, as well as home port support facilities, and the required Utility infrastructure to support such facilities. • Appropriating funding for the construction of the US Army Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study's recommended plan for the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion Structure and Tunnel. • $7 million for a comprehensive Seward Flood Mitigation Program on the watershed level by the US Army Corps of Engineers. • $35 million appropriation for Lowell Point Road a State Parks trailhead to complete bank stabilization and erosion control projects recommended through current ongoing stabilization study by the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP grant). This road is the sole land access to critical public infrastructure, National and State Parks trailheads, businesses, and the community of Lowell Point. • $1 million appropriation for erosion control projects, through a future Section 14 study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for the Seward Marine Industrial Center and the Alaska Railroad Dock. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2021-010 ' • Appropriating funding for the Alaska Railroad Corporation Seward Marine Terminal Expansion project supporting both passenger and freight activities. This may also involve a collaboration with the Alaska Railroad to seek BUILD Act grants or funding in a future Highway Transportation bill. • Support funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service budget for zoos and aquariums who house endangered and/or listed species and experienced a sharp reduction of visitor revenue in 2020. • Legislative support to encourage the US Coast Guard to continue applying the US Small Business Set -Aside contracting provisions to solicitations and contracts for maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of US Coast Guard District 17 vessels. • $2.25 million for installation of corrosion control measures on the City -owned Seward Shipyard Syncro-Lift and associated marine infrastructure, purchase and installation a new 1,000 kVa transformer providing electrical power to the Syncro-Lift. Scope of Work: Apply anodes and protective marine coatings to cell wall and synchro-lift steel structures. B. AUTHORIZATIONS AND BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION • Authorization language amending the Water Resource Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-114, 121 STAT. 1205) to require the US Army Corps of Engineers to ' continue the operation and maintenance of the Lowell Canyon Tunnel until such time that an alternative method of flood diversion has been constructed and a determination by the Corps that the City of Seward and its residents are no longer at risk of catastrophic flooding. • Additional funding through CARES Act legislation for City. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 25' day of January, 2021. TH T OF W ASKA C risty Terry, ayo AYES: Seese, Casagranda, DeMoss, Osenga, Baclaan, McClure, Terry NOES: None ABSENT: None ' ABSTAIN: None CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2021-010 ATTEST: (City Seal, J`OF • SEAL M 1 COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT Meeting Date: January 25, 2021 To: City Council From: Norm Regis, Acting City Manager Agenda Item: Calendar Year 2021 Federal Priorities BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The City annually compiles a list of projects or issues that we identify as our top City, State and Federal legislative priorities. The list of projects is compiled into a package that is distributed to the Governor's Office, our legislators, the Kenai Peninsula Borough (for inclusion in their legislative package), and our lobbyist. The list validates projects and greatly focuses the efforts of the Administration in our lobbying effort as we seek funding or other resolutions both through the State of Alaska and Federal sources. This year, the three lists include projects that are in the planning phase and/or may qualify for grants in addition to some projects with which Council is familiar. In order to quality for most grants, the City must include these projects on the City priority list. INTENT: This list of priorities focuses the efforts of Administration in lobbying efforts to obtain appropriations, grants, and legislation from the State and Federal sources to improve the City of Seward. To qualify for most appropriations and grants Seward's City, State and Federal priorities lists must be approved in a public process by the City Council. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A Comprehensive Plan .Sections 3. I Economic Development X ............................................................................................................................................. ............................. ...................... Strategic Plan Entirety X Other (list): X FISCAL NOTE: There is no fiscal impact associated with this resolution. Approved by Finance Department: ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No Not Applicable RECOMMENDATION: Council approve Resolutions 2021-m , approving the City of Seward's Calendar Year 2021 Federal Priorities.