HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2015-104 Sponsored by: Hunt
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2015-104
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF SEWARD'S CALENDAR
YEAR 2016 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
WHEREAS, the City annually compiles a list of projects or issues that are identified as
top state legislative priorities; and
WHEREAS, this resolution validates projects, prioritizes needs, and focuses the efforts
of City Administration in its lobbying efforts; and
WHEREAS, the list of projects are compiled and distributed to the State of Alaska
Legislature, Kenai Peninsula Borough, and City of Seward lobbyist; and
WHEREAS,the passage of this resolution occurs through a public process; and
WHEREAS, all projects on this list are consistent with the City Comprehensive and
Strategic Plans.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA,that:
Section 1. The following lists are hereby declared to be the official legislative priority
list of the City of Seward for the 2016 State of Alaska legislative session:
1. BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION.
A. Legislative support for matching City funds towards the non-Federal 50% cost share of
the US Army Corps of Engineers study required to address the Lowell Canyon Diversion
Tunnel hazard.
B. Legislative support for maintaining the current level of State contributions into the
PERS/TRS retirement system on behalf of local governments, and for not extending the
amortization period, in order to offset unfunded retirement system liabilities and to make
future contribution rates more affordable for the state and local governments.
C. Support for continuing Medicaid programs and capital cost reimbursement at not less
than current year funding levels.
D. Legislative support for continuing Alaska Energy Authority programs that promote
energy efficiency and conservation to help mitigate the costs of heating homes and
businesses not served by natural gas.
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2015-104
E. Legislative support for feasibility analyses considering pipeline or multi-modal delivery
methods of making natural gas available to communities not currently along a pipeline
corridor,and using Seward's road/rail/barge connections as demonstration projects.
F. Continued support for the State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Municipal Harbors Grant Program.
G. Extending the December 31, 2017 sunset date for the Education Tax Credit program
which enables qualifying taxpayers to make charitable contributions to educational
facilities and programs such as the Alaska SeaLife Center, and receive credits against
state business taxes in return.
2. CAPITAL PROJECTS
Recognizing the current government sector fiscal reality and its potential private sector economic
impacts, the City of Seward limits its capital improvement project requests to those where the
State's participation would leverage other significant funding, complete projects already
underway, address projects of immediate life and safety, and enable projects that could be
eligible under a statewide bond package if the State pursues and the voters approve such a plan.
A.$600,000 (25%) towards the non-Federal 50% cost share of the US Army Corps of
Engineers study required to address the Lowell Canyon Diversion Tunnel hazard.
B. $8 million to design and rebuild the electric transmission line for the Seward Highway to
the Seward Marine Industrial Facility and upgrade the Spring Creek substation by
securing an alternative feed transformer to add capacity and reduce system outages, and
provide continuous service during maintenance periods.
C.$500,000 for systems maintenance and repairs at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
D.$1.9 million for collection, treatment and disposal of process water at the Seward
Shipyard.
E. $500,000 for a hull wash water collection and treatment system at the 50-ton Travelift.
F. $1.5 million for storm water discharge infrastructure and security fencing at the Seward
Marine Industrial Facility.
G.$2 million to expand the Seward Medical Center, move the CT scanner into the facility,
and provide space for primary health care (City provides $500 annually towards capital
improvements).
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2015-104
3. CRUISE PASSENGER VESSEL TAX REGIONAL IMPACT FUND OR CRUISE
SHIP GAMBLING TAX
A. Appropriating funding for the Alaska Railroad Corporation Seward Marine Terminal
Expansion project supporting both passenger and freight activities.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th day of
November, 2015.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
I /i/ 1,
can Bardarson,Mayor
AYES: Keil, Casagranda, Squires, Butts, Altermatt, McClure, Bardarson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
A Jo anna Ki .
Clerk, CMC
(City Seal)
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