HomeMy WebLinkAbout05192021 PACAB Work Session Packet
Port & Commerce Advisory Board
Agenda Packet
Work Session
Topic: Update Seward Boat Harbor Plan.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Council Chambers, City Hall 12:00 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PORT & COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
WORK SESSION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENthat the Port and Commerce Advisory Boardwill
conduct a work session on the following item of business:
PORT & COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
WORK SESSION
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
TOPIC:Update Seward Boat Harbor Plan
The work session will commence in the Seward City Council Chambers located in City
Hall at 410 Adams Street, Seward. All interested persons are invited to attend the
meetings.
How To VirtuallyAttend The Meeting
The meeting will be Live Streamed on the city’s YouTube page. Log onto YouTube and type
“City of Seward Alaska” into the search bar.
Listen on the radio. Tune to KIBH-FM 91.7
Watch on television. Tune into GCI Cable Channel 9.
POSTED:Wednesday, May 5, 2021
City Hall bulletin board
U.S. Post Office
Harbormaster's Building
Seward Community Library Museum
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Seward Boat Harbor
Plan
October 10, 2016
Prepared by
The Port and Commerce Advisory Board
of
The City of Seward, Alaska
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Seward Boat Harbor
Plan
Summary
This document is intended to serve policy makers and advisers as a general information
source and as a tool for prioritization and funding justification for the development and
upgrade of the Seward Boat Harbor. In its final adopted form, the plan will have been
through the public process at different steps, including meetings before the Port and
Commerce Advisory Board and the Seward City Council. After adoption, the plan will
from time to time need revision and updates as needs and opportunities appear, and as
projects identified as priorities are completed.
In the decade since the previous plan was adopted, much has been accomplished in the
Harbor. The eastward expansion added slips to help meet demand for users on the wait list,
and added developable uplands south of the harbor. The improvements at I and T docks
provided needed structural improvements. The Boat Lift has been replaced, a new dock
constructed, and the adjacent uplands improved. The fueldock and X-Float have been
redone, and a new Z-float constructed along the relocated eastern breakwater. D-Float has
been replaced. The Harbormaster Office public restrooms and showers have been updated.
The City Code Chapter addressing Harbor uses has been rewritten through several public
hearing at Port and Commerce Advisory Board and City Council meetings. Capital projects
awaiting funding further detailed within this plan include replacement of floats, docks and
utilities in the south portion of the harbor, slip build out along Z-float, and location and
construction of a public crane(s).
Previous plans have not included upland commercial and transportation interests or
concerns; this plan proposed to adopt a more all-inclusive view incorporating those
elements as well.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................3
1.1 General ......................................................................................................................3
1.2PlanApproach ...........................................................................................................5
2.0Regional Description....................................................................................................5
2.1 Brief History .............................................................................................................5
2.2 Location....................................................................................................................5
2.3 Climate......................................................................................................................6
2.4 Winds ........................................................................................................................6
2.5 Tides ..........................................................................................................................6
2.6 Waves ........................................................................................................................7
2.7 Ice..............................................................................................................................7
2.8 Land Use and Ownership..........................................................................................8
3. 0 Existing Harbor Facilities............................................................................................8
3.1 The Boat Harbor......................................................................................................8
3.2 Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC)...............................................................11
4.0 The Development Plan ................................................................................................11
4.1 Economic Evaluation and Harbor statistics............................................................11
4.2 Corps of Engineers Role .........................................................................................14
4.3 Development Criteria .............................................................................................14
4.4Float System Layout...............................................................................................15
4.5 Float System Utilities…………………………………………………………...…19
4.6Gangways and Trestles...........................................................................................21
4.7Launch Ramps........................................................................................................21
4.8Parking Areas..........................................................................................................21
4.9TraveLift® and Maintenance Area.........................................................................22
4.10 Public Crane…………………………………………………………………… 22
4.11 Wash Down Facility……………………………………………………...…….. 22
4.12 Drive Down Float .................................................................................................22
4.13Tidal Grid..............................................................................................................23
4.14Fish Cleaning Facilities.........................................................................................23
4.15Restroom Facilities...............................................................................................23
4.16ADA Accessible Fishing Pier...............................................................................23
4.17Harbormaster’s Office and Shop..........................................................................23
5.0Accessibility................................................................................................................24
5.1 Background………………………………………………………………………..24
5.2 Accessible Routes…………………………………………………………………24
5.3 Boat Slips………………………………………………………………………….24
5.4 Upland Facilities…………………………………………………………………..25
6.0 Plan Implementation…………………………………………………………………25
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Appendices
Appendix ADrawings and Cost Estimates:
NE Fish Cleaning Station
B, C, S, and a portion of G Float
Replacement
South Harbor Launch Ramp Improvements
Z Float Laterals (T, U V, and W Floats)
Appendix B Commercial Fishing Vessels home-ported in Seward
Appendix C City of Seward, Alaska,Resolution 2014-091
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 General
The Seward BoatHarbor (see next page) is a significant aspect of the overall commercial
and economic picture of the City of Seward. The existing harbor was constructed
immediately following the 1964 earthquake and had minimal upgrades until 1998. At
that time, the harbor was owned by the State of Alaska, but operated by the City. In June
1998 the Seward City Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate a transfer of the
harbor and all of the associated improvements from the State of Alaska to the City of
Seward. The deal was approved bythe City Council on February 8, 1999 including a
$3.1 Million payment to the City for maintenance. This was a onetime payment
associated with the transfer of the facilityand not part of the Harbor Facility Grant
Program.
At the time the deal was made, the City knew that the $3.1 Million payment was
insufficient to make necessary improvements. The City has used various ways to fund
harbor improvements: bond borrowing, special user fees (such as the Capital Repair and
Replacement fee and Passenger Facility fee), federal appropriations, and state grants.
During the years 2005-2007 the City sold approximately $8 Million in bonds to fund
harbor improvements. As of November 2014, approximately $6 Million in borrowed
principal remains to be repaid.
In 2006,the Alaska Legislature established a new 50/50 matching grant program called
the Harbor Facility Grant Program, (Reference Alaska Statute AS 29.60.800) handled
by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The grant
program was established in order to provide financial assistance to municipal or regional
housing authority owned harbor facilities. This grant program is funded onan annual
basis at the discretion of the Alaska Legislature and consists of two tiers, Tier I and II.
The first tier has priority and consists of major maintenance and repair of a harbor facility
that was previously owned by the state and now is locally owned. The second tier
consists of all other harbor facilities and those harbor facilities which have already
received a Tier I grant. A harbor facility may only receive one Tier I grant but is eligible
for multiple Tier II grants.Seward used the Tier II approach toreplace D Float in 2013-
2014.The B, C, S, and a portion of G Float Replacement grant application was submitted
as a Tier I project.
The development plan provides the present view for the future harbor. Most features will
be implemented at some time in the future as need, priority and funding dictate.
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1.2PlanApproach
This plan updates and revises the Seward BoatHarbor Planning and Development
Guide, June 2003. The Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB) worked with City
staff to revise and update this new plan.Discussion of the plan by PACAB was
advertised in the local media. Public comment was solicited at the PACAB meetings.
2.0 Regional Description
2.1 Brief History
Russian fur trader and explorer Alexander Baranof named Resurrection Bay in 1792.
While sailing from Kodiak to Yakutat, he found unexpected shelter in this bay from a
storm. He named the bay Resurrection because it was the Russian Sunday of the
Resurrection. The City of Seward was named for U.S. Secretary of State William
Seward, 1861-69, who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia during the Lincoln
administration. In the 1890s, Capt. Frank Lowell arrived with his family. In 1903, John
and Frank Ballaine and a group of settlers arrived to begin construction of a railroad.
Seward became an incorporated City in 1912. The Alaska Railroad was constructed
between 1915 and 1923, and Seward developed as an ocean terminus and supply center.
By 1960, Seward was the largest community on the Kenai Peninsula. Tsunamis generated
during the 1964 earthquake destroyed the railroad terminal and killed several residents.
After the earthquake,Sewardites rebuilt and the harbor was moved to its current location.
During the 2000’s the harbor expanded to the east and south. Beginning in 1980, the City
acquired and developed the Seward Marine Industrial Center. Kenai Fjords National
Park was also designated at that time. The development of the cruise ship industry and
improvements to the Seward Highway have brought thousands of additional tourists to
Seward. And, as an ice-free harbor, Seward has become an important supply center for
Interior Alaska. With the threat of global climate change it is expected that Seward’s role
as a gateway to the Arctic will continue to grow.
2.2 Location
The City of Seward is situated in the northwest corner of Resurrection Bay, a north-south
fjord 19 miles long and 3 miles wide opening to the Gulf of Alaska, and on the southeast
coast of the Kenai Peninsula, 125 highway miles south of Anchorage. Resurrection Bay
depths exceed 150fathoms (900feet) and the mountains on either side rise to elevations
more than 4000 feet above sea level.
The City lies at the foot of Mount Marathon and is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords
National Park. It lays at approximately 60° 07' N Latitude, 149° 26' W Longitude (the
harbor itself is within Section 3, Township 1 South, Range 1 West, Seward Meridian).
The area of the city encompasses 15 sq. miles of land and 7 sq. miles of water.
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2.3 Climate
The sub-arctic maritime climate at Seward is characterized by relatively mild winters and
summers. The average temperature is 25 F in winter and 62 F in the summer. A monthly
climatic summary is shown in Table 1.
Table 1 – Monthly Climate Summary, Seward, Alaska
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul AugSep OctNov DecAnnual
Average Max.
30.332.537.144.351.958.462.261.955.344.536.031.445.5
Temperature
(F)
Average Min.
20.521.825.431.838.845.349.949.443.734.426.621.734.1
Temperature
(F)
Average Total
6.235.453.783.894.052.282.595.2210.119.607.047.4167.64
Precipitation
(in.)
Average Total
15.019.012.85.60.30.00.00.00.01.87.420.482.3
Snowfall(in.)
Source: Western Region Climate Center
2.4 Winds
Winds at Seward are effectively aligned north-south with the topography of Resurrection
Bay. Winds are predominately northerly from October to March shifting to southerly in
June and July and back to northerly by October. The Corps of Engineers harbor
expansion feasibility report indicates a 50-year recurrence interval design wind for wave
analysis of 63 miles per hour. This data was similar to that found by R & M Engineers
(2012) 50-year sustained winds 59 miles per hour (51.5 knots). The ocean swell enters
Resurrection Bay and builds up from the south. Winds over 35 knots from the north are
common during the winter months with southerly winds of 6 to 15 knots, occasionally
higher, during the summer months. Strong winds can occur from either the north or
south at any time of the year.
2.5 Tides
Tides at Seward have a mean range of 8.3 feet and a diurnal range of 10.6 feet, causing
tidal currents of 1 (flood) to 1.7 (ebb) knots. Tide levels, referenced to mean lower low
water (MLLW) are shown in Table 2. Extreme high tide levels result from the
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combination of astronomic tides and rise in local water levels due to atmospheric and
wave conditions.
Table 2 – Tidal Data, Seward, Alaska
Tide Elevation (feet)
Highest Observed Water Level +15.70
Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) +10.63
Mean High Water (MHW) + 9.71
Mean Sea Level (MSL) + 5.56
Mean Tide Level (MTL) + 5.55
Mean Low Water (MLW) + 1.38
Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) 0.00
Lowest Observed Water Level – 5.00
Source: NOAA, National Ocean ServiceStation# 9455090
2.6 Waves
Measured wave data is not available for the Seward area. As reported in the Corps of
Engineers boatharbor expansion feasibility report, the following general statements
appear applicable to the wave climate
a.Wave heights of 4 to 6 feet are the maximum observed by longtime local
residents (in the vicinity of the existing harbor).
b.“Typical” wave periods range from about 3 to 6 seconds.
c.Local residents and recorded data indicate waves from the south-southeast
predominate.
d.Long-period swells from the open ocean do not impact the existing harbor
area. (Long period waves DO impact the marine industrial center on the east
side of the bay.)
The Corps feasibility report wave analysis completed in 1998 found that a 6.2-foot wave
height and a 4.6 second period design wave should be used for breakwater structure
design. Waves of approximately 3 feet in the vicinity of the boatharbor are common
with southerly summer winds.
2.7 Ice
Resurrection Bay is ice free throughout the year. The existing harbor does not freeze up,
although skim ice does form occasionallyaround the perimeterof the harbor during the
coldest winter months.
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2.8 Land Use and Ownership
In addition to the City owned land surrounding the boatharbor, the Alaska Railroad owns
significant private land that is leased to both commercial and industrial businesses. The
AKRR is currently pushing toenlarge their freight dock and also pursue further
development opportunities.
3. 0 Existing Harbor Facilities
3.1 The Boat Harbor
The original harbor was authorized by Congress in 1930 and later modified by Congress
in 1935. The authorization providedfor a 4.75-acre basin at a –12.5 MLLW depth
protected by a south breakwater 580 feet long and a north breakwater 950 feet long.
Construction began in 1931. The authorization was modified in 1954 to raise the
elevation of the south breakwater and add towpile breakwaters at the entrance to the
basin. This project was completely destroyed by the 1964 earthquake.
The Rivers and Harbors Act, 19 August 1964, provided for the relocation and
reconstruction of a 12.45-acre harbor with entrance channel at –15 feet MLLW protected
by two rock mound breakwaters of 1060 and 1750 feet, with future provision for
expansion. Reconstruction began in August 1964 incrementally as other waterfront
projects were constructed. The project was completed in November 1965. The
northwest corner of the present basin (from approximately F Float northward on the west
side of the basin) is a locally constructed basin expansion. The harbor was expanded to
the east when the breakwater was relocated approximately 400 feet to the east by the
Corps of Engineers.
Several floods have affected the harbor since construction. The event with the most
impact was the fall flood in 1995 when approximately 23,000 cubic yards of material
entered the harbor, primarily in the northeast corner covering the tidal grid.
Approximately 20,000 cubic yards were dredged in 1996. The grid was left covered with
sediment and abandoned.
Many of the existing floats were constructed and installed by the State of Alaska in 1966
through 1973 soon after the basin was completed. X-Float was originally constructed in
1978 and rebuilt in 1996 following its catastrophic failure. A, B and C-Floats had utility
upgrades and were re-decked and re-billeted in 1996. These older timber floats are in
relatively poor condition with a limited life expectancy. S-Float isin the poorest
condition and in need of immediate attention.
The City of Seward signed the Transfer of Responsibility Agreement turning the
ownership of the float system over to the City (from the State)in February 1999. The
Corps of Engineers quitclaim deeded the basin back to the City in November 1999.
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RECENT EXPANSION PROJECTS
D Float replaced 2014
Harbormaster Office Restroom remodel 2013-2014
Z Float completed 2011
East I and T dock renovations 2008
50 ton lift pit relocation 2008
SE Harbor Floats (M, N, O, P, Q) completed 2007
New restrooms at South Harbor 2007
North Harbor Float Extension 2005
East Harbor Expansion
Parking and Oil Collection Station Upgrades
In 2012 portions of the north harbor, northeast harbor, and harbor entrance were dredged
by the Corps of Engineers contractor at a total cost of approximately $1.5 Million
consisting of $571,000 of local (primarily Commercial Passenger Vessel) funds and
$929,000 in federal funds. In 2013D Float was designed atcost of $100,000 funded by a
Denali Commission Grant. D Float was rebuilt at a cost of $, 2,138,838 (or
approximately $38,000 per slip) with the cost split between the City and a State of Alaska
Department of Transportation Harbor Facility Grant. Also in 2013 the harbor restrooms
were remodeled at a total cost of $130,000 from a state legislative grant.
Portions of the north harbor, E,F, H, J and G Floats were replaced with new concrete
floats in 2001. An engineer’s inspection report dated January 2011 looked at the
southwest quadrant of the harbor and found A, D and S Floats in serious or critical
condition. Floats B, C, and G were found to be in poor condition. On those docks the
hinge connections to the finger floats were found to be in serious condition. The south
launch ramp boarding floats were found to be in serious condition.
Statistics for the existing harbor are shown in Table 3 and Table 4.
Table 3 - Harbor Vital Statistics, 7/16/2013
SlipNumber
Length Available
17' 66
23' 57
32’ 312
40' 76
42' 58
50' 62
75' 16
90’ 10
100’ 6
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150’ 2
170’ 1
666 total slips 22,931ft
Parallel 4374Feet
Total Available 27,305Feet
Table 4 - Moorage Available by Float
Float Number Length
A 57 23
B 54 32
C 62 32
D 58 40
E, South 34 50
E,North 23 75, 90, 100
F, South 680 feet
F, South 2 75
F, North 30 50
F, T-Head 1 60
G, South 22 17
H 64 40
H, T- Head 1 90
I 405 feet
J 60 32
K 46 32
L 300feet
M 16 32
M parallel 264 feet
N 30 32
O 30 32
P, South 14 32
P, North 12 40
Q parallel 368 feet
R 485 feet
S, South 24 17
S, North 20 17
T 790 feet
X 6 slips 682 feet
Z 4 slips 400 feet
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3.2 Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC)
The most recent Master Plan of the Seward Marine Industrial Center was reviewed (but
never approved) in April 2011. As of November 2014 the construction of a new rubble
mound breakwater is about to get underway at a total estimated cost of $27 Million.
4.0 The Development Plan
This plan was developed by using the outline of the 2003 BoatHarbor Planning and
Development Guide. The changes and updates were prepared by City staff and reviewed
by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board and recommended for approval by the City
Council. The plan was discussed during a series of public meetings.
4.1 Economic Evaluation and Harbor Statistics
General - Seward has transitioned from an economic dependence on resource based
markets to a visitor and recreation-based economy. Most economic growth since 1990
has been driven by the visitor industry, with employment in trade, services and
transportation growing at a 5.9 percent annual rate, until the recession that began in late
2008. The community has capitalized on its road and railroad connections to Anchorage;
its cruise ship terminal (approximately 50 vessels call each summer); and its location as
the major access point for visits to the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chiswell
Islands (the most visited part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge).
Seward’s Alaska SeaLife Center is another major visitor attraction.
Seward competes for visitors with other South Central Alaska communities: Homer,
Kenai, and Whittier. Each town has its own sets of attractions.
Commercial fishing remains a significant part of the Seward economy.2013 proved to be
a record breaking year for salmon production in Alaska. The City hopes to be able to
bring back some of the commercial fishing vessel activity that has moved away from
Seward.
The state prison located nearby and other government facilities, including the national
park headquarters, are also important year-round employers. Although a major sawmill
was opened in 1993, it never became competitive, and has remained closed since 1994.
In 2012 the State Labor Department reported 973jobs held by Seward residents, but this
total does not reflect seasonal jobs and other Seward jobs that are held by non-residents.
The job sectors, in declining order of importance are: trade, transportation and utilities
25.5%; public sector 22.2%; Leisure and hospitality 16.5%; education and health services
11.8%; professional, business, financial, and information services 10.3%; manufacturing
4.0%; and construction 3.5%.
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In recent years, population growth in Seward has been flat. The 2010population of
Seward was 2,693and the 1990 population was 2,699.
Seward gains a portion of its total municipal revenues from its sales tax (4%) and its
accommodation tax (4%). The community depends on these revenues to provide services
to both residents and visitors. Taxable sales in Seward have trended upward in recent
years, from $45 million in 1992 to $75 million in 2002to $108 million in 2012. The
largest share of sales is within the retail and service sector. Visitor sales, supported by
Seward harbor and marine-related activities contribute substantially to overall municipal
revenues.
The Harbor collects Passenger fees from charter and tour boat operators at the rate of
$3.50 per passenger carried. Prior to 2006 the Passenger fee was $1.50 per passenger.
Allboats in the harbor pay a Capital Repair and Replacement fee depending upon the
length of the vessel. Beginning in 2010 theHarbor has received some of the Raw Fish
tax. The following graph and table shows the amount of passenger fees collected
between 2003 and 2012 along with the Harbor’s portion (50%) of the Raw Fish tax in
2011 and 2012: Table 5
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Passenger257,889271,045625,535691,600657,248503,282544,947557,421551,103
Fee
Raw Fish599,451320,000
Tax
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Tourism, recreation and commercial fishing provide substantial support to the community
through the boat harbor. Replacement and modernization of the harbor facilities will
enhance the users experience and increase the harbor’s ability to generate support for the
community.
Current Harbor Use – The 2013 use of the Seward Harbor by vessel owners with a
reserved slip is shown in the following summary:
Charter boat vessels moored in Seward Harbor
There are 124charter boatspaying passenger fees in the Seward harbor.
These vessels range in length from 23 feet to 115 feet, with an average of 43 feet.
Commercial fishing boats
There are 19 commercial fishing vessels moored in Seward harbor.
These vessels range in length from 27 feet to 59 feet, with an average of 42.5 feet.
Motor vessels moored in Seward Harbor
There are 536motorboats moored in the Seward harbor.
These vessels range in length is from 19feet to 110feet, with an average of 36.5
feet.
Sailboats moored in Seward Harbor
There are 145sailboats moored in the Seward harbor.
These vessels range in length is from 23feet to 54feet, with an average of 35.3
feet.
Tugboats moored in Seward Harbor
There are 2tugs moored in the Seward harbor.
The vessels range in length is from 60 to 105feet, with an average of 82.5feet.
During the winter season a number of tugboats come to Seward for moorage. In
2013-2014 there are 6 more tugs tied up for the winter.
For the purpose of this plan, the category motor vessels do not include sailboats.
Due to the harbor expansion and recession that began in 2008, the level of unmet demand
for moorage in the Seward harbor is not as great as past years.Table 6shows thecurrent
waiting list for permanent slips in the Seward harbor and includes 169 people. Since
there is an annual fee for remaining on the waiting list, it best represents those people
with a commitment to moor in the Seward harbor. However, since the wait for a slip can
be severalyears, many prospective vessel owners are forced to shop for other moorage
alternatives.
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Table 6, Wait List by Slip Length
Vessel / Slip Length (ft.) Number of Vessels
17 0
23 2
32 34
40 86
50 37
60 8
75 11
90 1
100 2
>105 2
4.2 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Role
Following the 1964 Earthquake federal legislation was adopted that requires that the
Corps be primarily responsible for harbor dredging. For example, in 2012, the Corps was
the lead agency for maintenance dredging in the harborand the Harbor paid for dredging
the portions of the harbor that were not federally mandated. Another critical Corps-
related issue is called Navigational Servitude.In 2014 the Water Resources Development
Act (WRDA) included new legislative language in Section 6004 that will allow the
construction of improvements on the South Harbor Uplands.
4.3 Development Criteria
The current layout of the harbor was completed with the east harbor expansion in 2011.
The harbor’s top challenges are maximizing the use of available moorage slips;replacing
ageing docks; and providing new services.
Environmental and Permit Aspects - Permits will be needed through the Corps of
Engineers to replace and add floats, trestles and bulkheads and to do any in-water work.
Items such as a new grid, fill and dredging and disposal will be the most challenging,
because they are considered the most environmentally sensitive.
Land Use and Zoning – The City-owned land at the harbor is zoned Harbor Commercial.
Adjacent lands are zoned: Park, Industrial, and Auto Commercial.
Alaska Railroad - The Alaska Railroad owns land north of the BoatHarbor. The City
and Railroad completed a land swap in October 2014 in order to facilitate re-development
of the land formerly occupied by the US Coast Guard Shore facility and solidify the
City’s possessionof the easterly breakwater.
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Boat Storage and Boat Work Yards-There are several privately ownedyards at the north
end of the BoatHarbor. Maintaining additional vessel storage within proximity of the
boat lift is a continuing challenge. In mid- 2013 the largest boatyard near the harbor
closed its operations.There are additional private boat yards in the area, with the largest
of those located at Lowell Point.
Parking – During the summer the harbor area is one of the most heavily used areas in
Seward with regard to the availability of parking spaces. There is just enough parking
available, especially during summer weekends, holidays and Silver Salmon Derby time.
There is limited adjacent space available to make into parking space. Day parking, in
addition to long-term parking, was identified as critical. The tour boat companies have
developed remote parking lots with shuttle buses that bring customers to the harbor.
Public Restrooms and Showers – In 2013 the harbor used$130,000 in state grant funds to
remodel the restrooms at the Harbormaster’s Office. Additional funds to complete the
project were received from the State of Alaska Commercial Passenger Vessel funds.
Public restroom facilities are limited, especially forthe influx of summer visitors in the
harbor area. The primary restroom location is in the harbormaster’s office building,
which also includes a few showers. Other restroom locations include the Park Service
Headquarters and Kenai Fjords Tours facilities. These facilities are near the
harbormaster’s office. Additional public restrooms are located in the south parking area
and northeast parking area. The Harbor needs another set of restrooms in the
northwesterly quadrant of the Harbor. From that cornerof the Harbor it is approximately
1200feet to the nearest public restroom.
Launch Ramp Improvements - There are now two existing launch ramps in the boat
harbor, one at the NE corner and one at the SW corner of the basin. The Harbor staff has
made significant repairs, including float decks and pilings, to both launch ramps during
2012 and 2013.
Oneplanned improvement isto lengthen the launch ramps in order to make them safer to
use at very low tide levels.
Slip Sizes – In the past, boats were smaller and correspondingly the harbor included more
17 and 24-foot slips. The current harbor expansion added mostly 32-foot slips, some 24-
foot slips, and some linear moorage on Z-float.
Leased Properties – All harbor leases, upon renewal or change of lease, should be
considered by administration for easement and rights of way access.
4.4 Float System Layout
Fleet –The number of vessels seeking moorage in the harbor was determined from the
wait list shown in table 6. Until the 2008 recession there had beena national trend in the
marine industry, both in sales and manufacturing, toward larger and wider boats. The
results of a questionnaire in 2003 showed that 75 percent of those responding agreed that
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some smaller slips could be eliminated, if “other” arrangements could be made for the
smaller boats. Therefore, the minimum new slip size wasrecommended to be 32 feet
with increased emphasis on 40 foot and larger slips. Space for transient vessels will be
included to the greatest extent possible for the transient commercial fishing fleet in
addition to recreational vessels.
Slips in the 60-foot to 100-foot range have been includedthat will accommodate large
yachts, commercial fishing vessels, and tour boats. Also, linear moorage is provided for
even larger vessels up to 90 and 120 feet.
Large commercial fishers include about 30 vessels 37 to 125 feet long with a beam 15 to
35 feet and draft 7 to 13 feet, approaching 15 feet when fully loaded. Only about 10 are
presently in reserved slips. Barges, tugs, ferries and research vessels occasionally use the
harbor, most often wintering over.
Main Interior Channels – The main channel running diagonally north-south in the central
part of the harborwill be a minimum of 150 to 200 feet wide to accommodate the tour
boats andlarger commercial fishing vessels accessing the processing docks and “T”
dock. A common standard is 5 times the largest beam width for two-way traffic, (5 x 35
= 175 feet). Other access channels to the floats and launch ramps will be a minimum 100
feet, which would accommodate vessels with beams up to 20 feet.
Fairways–The actual dimension of the fairway (the distance between the ends of slip
finger floats on adjacent docks) should consider several factors:
Environmental (wind, waves and currents)
Vessel maneuverability
Boat handler experience
Wind is the most important environmental factor affecting moorage in Seward. Waves
and currents are not significant factors at theSeward Harbor. Currents during tidal
exchange are present, but are not considered significant. It is well known, due to the
shape of Resurrection Bay,that the winds blow either northerly or southerly and seldom
from the east or west.The slips are laid out in the north/south direction for this reason.
The effect of the wind on a boat will depend on the “sail” area presented to the wind,
which will usually be the greatest with the wind on the beam. The fairways are east/west,
beam to the winds. Vessels vary in their maneuverability. Twin-screw vessels and those
with bow thrusters can maneuver quite well in tight situations. Single screw vessels and
most sailboats are quite maneuverable moving forward, but can be notoriously bad when
backing and can be significantly affected by winds. Boat handling skills also vary
considerably. The Seward Harbor has visitors from all skill levels from novice to expert
boat handlers.
The current practice in the harbor is to allow boats to extend up to 4 feet beyond the slip
finger, which is presently included in the city code for the harbor. The common
engineering standard for fairway sizing is to make the clear distance between the boat
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extremities no less than 1.5 times the longest boat length using that fairway. It is often
increased to 1.75 times the boat length if maneuvering conditions warrant. Larger vessels
50 feet and longer sometimes have fairway widths up to 2 times the vessel length. This
distance is needed to allow vessels to safely enter their slipand make turning movements.
The American Society of Civil Engineers “Planning and Design Guidelines for Small
Craft Harbors” recommends a minimum fairway width of 1.5 times the longest slip.
The minimum fairway widths for the Seward Harbor are set at 1.5 times the slip length
with no overhang. The new D-float that completed in April 2014 was designed with the
same dimensions (number of slips, size of slips, and width of fairway) as the dock that it
replaced.
With no vessel overhang from the slip fingers, the minimum fairway dimensions would
be:
Table 7, Minimum Fairway Dimension
Slip Length (ft) 1.5 x L Fairway (ft)
60 90
50 75
40 60
32 48
Access channels to launch ramps will be a minimum 100 feet.
Slip Width – Boat sizes have changed over the past 20 plus years with the principle
change being the beam width. Slips in the Seward Harbor are doublewide to
accommodate two vessels between slip finger floats. The width depends on the vessels to
be served, environmental conditions and operator skills plus the judgment of the design
engineer. Generally, the minimum distance between slip finger floats has been taken as
roughly 2.3 times the width of the vessel for double occupancy. Vessel beam width
varies greatly; however, correlations to boat length have been made by others based on
statistical research of boat manufacturer’s data and inventory of Alaskan harbor users.
The following table provides guidelines for the stall spacing assuming the vessel is equal
to the slip length.
Table 8, Stall Spacing Guidelines
Slip Length (ft) Slip Clear Spacing (ft, double)
75 49.0
60 43.0
50 40.0
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40 34.0
32 30.0
The clear spacing above exceeds the minimum values, however, they are considered
prudent due to the winds, vessel maneuverability, operator experience, presumption of
commercial use especially in the larger slips, variability in vessel beam and minimum
width fairways.
Interior Access Channel- The main channel running diagonally north-south in the central
part of the harbor is a minimum of 150 feet wide between X-Float and E-Float and 200
feet wide in other areas to accommodate the larger commercial fishing vessels accessing
the fish processing docks and “T”-dock. Access to launch ramps will be a minimum 100
feet, which would accommodate vessels with beams up to 20 feet. Widths would be
larger if possible. In this case, limited space makes the access width narrower than
desired.
East Harbor Float Layout- A new marginal float, Z-Float, was built as close to the
breakwater as possible and extends to and beyond the angle point in the breakwater. It
has been proposed that Z-Float havefive main floats with slips as shown in the following
table.
Table 9, East Harbor Float System
See proposed layout at the end of Appendix A
Slip Size Number of Slips
3236
40 22
50 18
608
1005
120 1
Total Slips 90
Total Transient 1200 feet
A 600-foot section of the existing X-Float was relocated to the east harbor also. It
parallels the Z-Float and provides linear moorage for the larger commercial fishing
vessels that are not accommodated in the new slips. The remaining 150 feet of X-Float
was left in place and the privately owned fuel dock was attached. The result was re-
named R float.Neither X-Float nor R-Float offer shore power for moored vessels.
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Float Replacement Program- In 2010- 2011 the Harbor’scontractengineer, URS,
completed an inspection of the docks in the Southwest area of the Harbor. The docks
included wereA, B, C, D, G, and S and theSouth Launch Ramp. In 2014,D Float was
replaced at a total cost of approximately $2.2 Million. It is hoped that the State will fund
half of the cost of the B, C, S, and a portion of G float replacement in early 2015 and
those docks will be replaced during 2015-2016 at a total estimated cost of approximately
$6 Million.
Float System Construction- The 2003 plan recommended concrete floats. However, the
floats that have been installed during the period 2006-2014 have all been timber
constructionon floatation tubs. The wooden docks are easier to repair and much better
for snow removal.
4.5Float System Utilities
Potable Water
The Harbor staff is pleased with the design and
operation of the potable water system that was
installed on M, N, O, P and Q Floats. The same
design was used for D Float. Plan review and
certification to operate the public water system is
required from the State Department of
Environmental Conservation.
Fire Protection
Potable Water Riser
The City of Seward has adopted the International
Fire Code (IFC) and associated State amendments
as the model code for fire protection standards. The IFC
essentially requires a standpipe type fire protection
system. In addition to the IFC, the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) has several standards that
must be considered. The following NFPA standards
apply:
NFPA 303, Marinas and Boat Yards
NFPA 307, Construction and Fire Protection of
Marine Terminals, Piers and Wharves,
NFPA 14, Standpipe and Hose Systems
On Float Fire Valve
The existing replacement floats followed the above codes and standards. The fire
protection system for new or replaced floats and refurbished docks will also follow these
same codes and standards. The codes and standards will again be reviewed along with
experience with the existing new system during the final design stage. A dry standpipe
system is recommended.
Sewer System
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The harbor is taking steps to make the boat pump-out stations more user friendly.
Specifically, the use of tokens is being eliminated, so that customers won’t need to go to
the office before using the pump-out stations. The State of Alaska has federal grant funds
that can be used on a 75% matching basis in order to improve pump-out facilities
Power and Lighting
Most new boat slips will be configured with shore power. Power
configurations will vary with 120 volt, 30 ampere, single phase;
208 volt, 30 ampere, single phase; and 208/120 volt, 50 ampere,
three phase.Special configurations have been installedfor large
vessels. There are a number of shore power pedestals that supply
more than one voltage configuration.
All power will be served from utility transformers on shore, near
the pedestrian approaches to the harbor. Power distribution cables
will be routed beneath the approaches, down the gangways, and
into the float distribution panels.
All shore powerpedestals will be new. The Harbor staff is
pleased with the power pedestals that were installed on M, N, O,
P, and Q Floats. On D Float the water faucets were incorporated
Power Pedestal With
into the power pedestals. Both duplex style units, intended to be
Light
located midway between slip floats, and single style units will be
considered. Energy consumption is monitored at each pedestal and billed to the
customer, accordingly. The pedestals will be configured with digital style meters. The
receptacles specified for the pedestals will be conventional locking style as stipulated by
the National Electrical Code. Circuit breakers will be “bolt-on” style to minimize
corrosion at their connection to the terminals.
During 2014 several harbors in Southeast Alaska experienced problems with the
implementation of the new Electric Code requirements for Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupters(GFCI) on docks. These new systems will trip with a very slight amount of
stray current. Some vessels owners at these SE harbors installed new isolation
transformers to eliminate stray current.
Lighting will be integrated into the shore-tie pedestal to maintain consistency with the
North Harbor installation. This design has proven to be cost effective and efficient. The
luminaries are mounted ata height of about 4-feet above the deck. The luminaries will
utilize metal halide lamps with good life expectancy qualities. Additional luminaries will
be required on the approaches and gangways.
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4.6 Gangways and Trestles
New or newly remodeled inner harbor facilities are required to be compliant with the
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) rules and guidance published in September
2002. At a minimum, 80-foot gangways, similar to those installed at D, E, F, J, Q, X, Z-
Floats, will be provided at pedestrian access points to the float system. Timber trestles
will be designed or existing trestles modified to accept the new gangways.
A new gangway and trestle will be
constructed for S-Floatleading to
the parking area. The B-Dock
trestle will be reconstructed and a
new 80-foot covered gangway
installed.The B-Float gangway
design will need to consider how
the gut barge can be moved
New Aluminum Gangway - J Dock at Extreme
beneath it. When new gangways
are in place at B and S floats, only
High Tide
R-dock gangway will not meet
ADA requirements.
4.7Launch Ramps
The existing NE launch ramp will remain as is with maintenance and upgrades as
necessary.It is planned that the new NE Fish Cleaning Station will be located at the
bottom of the northerly boarding float. Meanwhile the sewage pump-out at that location
will be disassembled and abandoned. At the other end of the harbor,the SW launch ramp
is becoming a top priority project, due to customer demand, age of the structure, and the
potential eligibility of the boat ramp for grant funds.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game uses federal Sport Fish Restoration funds to
build and re-build boat ramps. ADF&G estimates that the design cost for this new boat
ramp will total $325,000 with 25% of that amount ($87,500) expected from the City of
Seward. Similarly construction costs will be shared at a ratio of 75% to 25%.One
consideration is that the grant agency requires a minimum number of boat/trailer parking
stalls in order to qualify for grant funding.
4.8 Parking Areas
South Harbor Uplands- A set of restrooms (2007) and a new Mariner’s Memorial
(2012-2014) have been built in the South Harbor lands. The City’s recycling bin is also
located in thearea, at least temporarily. In 2014, the parking department installed a new
paved road surface that leads up to the parking area. With the 2014 WRDA bill the
Navigational Servitude issuehas been federally resolved and so the Corps of Engineers
will no longer restrict commercial development in this area.This area also may be ideal
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for a new convention center or harbormaster office.It will be important to strive for the
proper balance between commercial development and parking.
There are 80 truck & trailer stalls and 60 single car stalls in the South Harbor Uplands.
The Uplands is the City’s default parking area for the truck & trailers, although they are
allowed topark across the street in the South Lot. The parking fee is different in the two
locations: $20 oversize rate in the South Lot compared to $10 flat rate on the Uplands.
Northeast Parking Area -In 2012 the new Coast Guard Station and Army Resort
Dispatch building were built in this area. In 2013 new pavement was added. The
Northeast parking area has: 130 truck & trailer stalls and 50 stalls for single cars (180
Total).
The restrooms in this area are the most primitive in the harbor and should be scheduled
for replacement.
4.9Travelift® and Maintenance Area
The northwesterly quadrant of the harbor was re-built in 2008. This included moving the
location of the travel lift and strengthening both I and T docks. New pavement was
placed in this area in 2013.
4.10Public Crane
A preliminary design report looked at two possible location and two sizes of
cranes.Further discussion, along with public testimony,resulted in a unanimously passed
PACAB Resolution, 2014-01, approving design and construction ofan 8 ton crane to be
located at the end of I dock.The alternative suggested by the administration was a 1.5
ton crane located on the Travel Lift Dock.The purpose of either of these projects would
be for mariners to load and unload fish and gear.
4.11 Wash Down Facility
A new wash down facility in the area of the Traveliftwould benefit harbor users by
offering a convenient way to clean their boats. And since potential contaminants would
be captured for proper disposal, the facility would also be good for the environment. A
wash down facility was built at SMIC in 2013 and the harbor staff is refining operational
techniques. The pressure washing equipment is mounted on a trailer and it could be used
at both SMIC and the Boat Harbor if a slab with containment was built.
4.12 Drive Down Float
A new drive down float is proposed for the northeast corner of the harbor, just to the
north of the NE launch ramps. The drive down float would provide access for boats to
load and unload supplies and equipment or do minor maintenance. Only temporary short
term mooring would be permitted and no overnight mooring. The float would be 60 feet
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wide by 100-feet long, held in place by steel piling and have an approximately 100 foot
steel bridge/gangway accessing the NE parking area. The float and bridge would be
similar to the drive down dock in Sitka, Alaska, which is heavily used by boats.
4.13 Tidal Grid
The harbor did have a tidal grid in the northeast corner until the flood in the fall of 1995.
At that time, the grid was buried by sediment washed into the basin by the flood. The
grid was never uncovered, primarily because of the high cost of potential contaminated
soil disposal. It is possible that state matching grant funds may be used to construct a new
grid.
A tidal grid is proposed to be installed between I dock and the Traveliftin the NW
quadrant of the harbor. Accessibility from both land and water exist at this site, and
similar working infrastructure already exists on both sides. An alternative location with
more room is the currently unused North East corner of the harbor area between the east
side of the T dock and the NE Boat Ramp/Fish Cleaning Station.
4.14Fish Cleaning Facilities
The harbor has agrant to replace the fish cleaning station in the NE corner of the harbor.
The new fish cleaning stationwill be built at the bottom of the NE launch ramp. This
will improve these facilities for this quadrant of the harbor.In 2007 asimilar floating
fish cleaning facility was built in the SE corner of the harbor.
4.15Restroom Facilities
The harbormaster office restrooms were remodeled during the winter of 2013-2014 using
monies from the State Commercial Passenger Vessel (CPV) funds. A second shower was
added to the women’s side of the restrooms and the restroomsare fully ADA compliant.
4.16ADA Accessible Fishing Pier
An ADA accessible fishing pier is planned for the south side of the south parking fill in
the vicinity of the creek flowing into the bay from the lagoon.The rocky slope
configuration of the beach restricts the handicapped from fishing in this area. Specific
plans have not been developed, but the pier is envisioned as a “T” shape end with railings
designed to allow wheelchair bound people the opportunity to fish. The pier will also
provide an observation location for the public to watch the fishing action and boats
entering and leaving the harbor. The design will also require special considerations for
its location within the heavy wave zone.
4.17Harbormaster’s Office and Shop
The existing harbormaster’s office and shop is located in the center of the harbor tourist
and business area. The building is still functional, but could use significant remodeling
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and code and safety upgrades. In 2014 a new paint job was applied to the roof of the
building which was starting to rust all over.
5.0 Accessibility
5.1 Background
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) rules for marinas were established in 2002
and revised in 2010. The rules are administered by the United States Access Board in
section 1003 Recreational Boating Facilities.
5.2 Accessible Routes
Surrounding the Seward Harbor are parking lots with many designated ADA parking
stalls in close proximity to the docks.
The Seward Harbor has replaced most of its gangways to meet ADA standards. Those
standards require gangways that are at least 80 feet long and 5 feet wide. The following
seven gangways are fully compliant: D, E, F, J, M-Q, X, and Z. Three gangways: B, R,
and S are not compliant. The gangways at B and S are scheduled for replacement in
2015-2016.
5.3 Boat Slips
Only the new and rebuilt portions of the harbor are required to meet ADA standards. The
10 newer docks in the harbor have ADA compliant slips: D, E, F, H, J, M, N, O, P, and
Q. It is required to adopt a plan to bring the marina into full compliance. At this date,
eight older docks are non-compliant: A, B, C, G, K, L, R, and S. Several of those docks:
B, C, S and a portion of G docks are scheduled for replacement in 2015-2016.
Accessible boat slips must have a surface five feet wide without any barriers that limit
access. In Seward the newerdocks listed above have five foot wide fingers that provide
the necessary access in order to meet this requirement. On the other hand, linear
moorage in Seward generally has bull rails that disqualify linear moorage for ADA
consideration. For example, the harbor has at least three designated ADA slips, with
signs, located at: the first space on A-float, M-1, and N-2. Apparently these slips have
been designated due to the proximity to parking and the boat ramp (A-float), but in each
slip the existing bull rails disqualify those ADA slips. The rules do allow that a five foot
wide opening every ten feet of linear dock qualifies as ADA moorage.
The Seward Harbor has 660 slips of various sizes and almost 4400 linear feet of side-tie
moorage. According to the rules, the 4400 linear feet is the equivalent of 110 slips. Thus
Seward has a total slip equivalent of 770 = 660 + 110. The ADA rules prescribe how
many accessible slips are required based on the total number of slips in the marina.
Marinas having between 701 and 800 slips are required to have a minimum of 10
accessible slips.
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The accessible slips should be of various sizes and dispersed throughout the accessible
portions of the marina. A marina does not have to provide more accessible slips than
required. Accessible slips do not need to be marked and are not reserved in the
same way as vehicle parking spaces.
Facilities should hold the accessible slips open for persons with disabilities until all
other slips are filled. At that point, the slip may be made available for general use.
For seasonal slip holders, accessible slips should be held until the expiration period
for slip contracts has expired. Marina operators may choose to make information
regarding accessible boat slips available in promotional material or a facility guide.
Ensuring that accessible slips are available to persons with disabilities is an
operational issue and operators should contact the Department of Justice for
further information. NOTE: The words in the bold font above are directly quoted from
the Access Board’s guide booklet, “Accessible Boating Facilities”.
5.4 Upland Facilities
The newly remodeled restrooms and water fountains at the Seward BoatHarbor meet all
ADA requirements.
6.0 Plan Implementation
Future projects will be completed incrementally in phases.Implementation of each phase
will include the following normal operating procedure.
A phase will be identified by the Harbormaster and his staff
The Port and Commerce Advisory Board (PACAB) will review and approve the
phase, recommending it to the City Council,
The City Council will review and approve the phase and funding
Public input will be a part of the process during public meetings at both thePACAB and
City Council stages prior to final approval for construction.
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APPENDIX A
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29
27
30
28
31
29
32
30
33
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APPENDIX B
Commercial Fishing Vessels Home-ported in Seward
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APPENDIX C
Resolution 2014-091of the City of Seward
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