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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes1967-605 r- ~.-V\l THE CITY' OF SEWARD RESOLUTION NO. 605 WHEREAS the City Council of The City of Seward fully concurs with the requests and facts as outlined in the letter to the Honorable Governor Walter J. Hickel as regards the Resurrection River Road and it's potential: and WHEREAS the City Council feels this is a priority project, and is assisting the Chamber of Commerce in whatever way possible: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of The City of Seward urgently petitions Governor Walter J. Hickel and the Legislature of the State of Alaska to favorably con- sider the request of the Seward Chamber of Commerce at the earliest possible date in this worthwhile and pioneer project. Passed and approved by the City Council of The City of Seward, Alaska, this 20th day of February, 1967. ,;Lv.~ 'R. W. Kir atrick Mayor ./Jv~.Z:~ci- X/~dz Beatrice E. Watts City Clerk-Treasurer PHONE CA 4-3046 ard .... 011I COMM."C. SEWARD. ALASKA F.b1"U&1'7 24, 1967 Honorable Governor Walter J. Hickel P. O. Box l571 Juneau, Alaska Dear Governor Hickel: We are writing in reference to a certain project undertaken here in Seward that has been endorsed by the city council and Chamber of Commerce, various organizations and most residents, and considered of prime importance to aid in the economic welfare of this depressed community. Seward is in dire need of a boost of an industrial nature in order to retain stability, since the total loss of industry and related employment as a result of the various phases of the disaster of March, 1964. Efforts are constantly being made to attract new industry, which has proven to be a slow and difficult task. Most of the former industries relocated in other communities before our facilities were rebuilt and chances of their return are certainly nil. One industry that all of Alaska has an opportunity to attract must certainly be considered as tourism. We are fortunate for having ~uch a ~reat potential in our area, especially when you consider the recreational aspect, which would assist in attracting Alaskan tourists also. This would therefore make tourism and recreation the prime source of development to pursue, as the area abounds in sports and recreational potentiai. Since the disaster the Community has been working on building parking and camping facilities to take care of tourists. Most projects solely financed through City funds and others through assistance by other agencies, but the latter are slow in progressing due to the time involved in cutting red tape, etc. r~' -2- In 1966, through community effort, construction of a road approximately eight miles up Resurrection Canyon was initiated, to secure access to a readily accessible glacier, a tourist attraction and recreation area, and one of the entrances to the famous Harding Ice Field. This would be one of two glaciers in the State where tourists could drive to the edge of a glacier. The city petitioned the Borough for available space to build a camping area next to the glacier, hoping to have lOO camping spaces ready for Centennial tourists and with an ultimate goal of 300 camping spaces. The Borough Assembly reacted favorably to this request. Equipment was donated last fall by the City, private indi- viduals and a few contractors who were working in the area. Business people, the city, the Chamber and private citizens donated labor, fuel, food, repair parts, supplies, etc., and work on the road was earnestly begun. By freeze-up a road passable by auto was completed approximately half the distance to the glacier. unfortunately repairs and materials mounted to the point where donations were becoming insufficient to cover. Senator Kilcher, having been aware of the planned project, and realizing local effort would be inadequate to carryon this huge task, attempted to secure assistance for us in the amount of $10,000.00 from the State, and introduced such request during the 1966 session of the Legislature. My understanding is that the request was approved in the Senate, or Senate Committ.ee, but failed to reach the House before the end of the session. We are very desirous of continuing this project this spring, but our present funds are low and with the serious economic situation in Seward, we doubt we can rely too heavily in. the way of adequate donations this spring. On behalf of all volunteers, boosters, and the community, we petition your help to assist us by whatever means or influence at your disposal. to have these funds appropriated during this session, so we can realize the conclusion of our project. Our plans are a two-lane graveled road, accessible by auto and campers, with various turnouts for picture taking, etc., along the approximate eight miles of road. Our ult.imate goal is a tie in with the Sterling Highway, but this year we feel this eight mile section is a must for our area. Our plan has been endorsed by the Kenai Peninsula Council of Chambers of Commerce, who are aware of the potential involved. r-- - -3- We might add that some observations were made of the area recently by snow machines and the reports are very inspiring. It is felt this glacier area offers a possible year-round ski slope, tobogganing, etc., which adds considerably to the feasi- bility of this undertaking. It might be noted here also that a few years ago the Federal Government was seriously interested in assisting us in the construction of a multi-million dollar Tram-way over the Ice Cap. We are also desirous of securing assistance and use of same of the local State Highway equipment on weekends, understanding, of course, that the equipment would be operated by the regular employed State operators, on a voluntary time,basis without pay by the State. Equipment needed is scarce in our area, especially dozers, trucks and loaders. We would appreciate your early consideration of our requests and any and all assistance that may be forthcoming. Respectfully, #~~ Willard Dunham President SEWARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RESURREC'I'ION ROAD COMMIftEE cc: Honorable Irwin Metcalf Honorable Robert Palmer Honorable Clem Tillion Honorable William Boardman Honorable John Butrovich Honorable Harold Strandberg Honorable Vance Phillips Honorable Carl Brady Honorable Donald E. Young Mr. Warren C. Gunnason