HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2019-087 CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2019-087 Sponsored by: Towsley
II A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, REQUESTING THAT GOVERNOR MIKE DUNLEAVY
DIRECT THE STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES (DOT&PF) TO EXPLORE
AND IDENTIFY FUNDING ALTERNATIVES TO PREVENT THE
CLOSURE OF THE SILVERTIP MAINTENANCE STATION AT MILE 60
NEAR THE HOPE JUNCTION ON THE SEWARD HIGHWAY
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
(DOT&PF) announced the closure of the Silvertip Maintenance Station located at Mile 60 near
the Hope Junction on the Seward Highway; and
WHEREAS, the Seward Highway is a critical transportation link for residents of Seward
and the surrounding area, as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, operators from the Silvertip Maintenance Station attend to the area of the
Seward Highway through Turnagain Pass; and
WHEREAS, the DOT&PF announced that snow plowing and road maintenance for this
portion of the highway will now be split between the Girdwood Maintenance Station and the
Crown Point Maintenance Station; and
WHEREAS, winter storms dramatically impact the safety of traveling the Seward
Highway; and
WHEREAS, having a safe and dependably passable highway for vehicle traffic
throughout the winter months is critical for residents of Seward and the surrounding area, as well
as the entire Kenai Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, all residents of the Kenai Peninsula rely heavily upon road freight
transportation to bring medical supplies,provisions, and other goods necessary for survival; and
WHEREAS, it is within the authority of the Governor of the State of Alaska to direct the
DOT&PF to identify alternative funding sources in order to keep the Silvertip Maintenance
Station open year round.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Seward City Council urges Honorable Governor Mike Dunleavy to direct
the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities to explore and identify funding
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2019-087
alternatives in order to prevent the closure of the Silvertip Maintenance Station.
Section 2. The Seward City Council directs the city manager to draft and send a letter to
the Governor, on behalf of the council, relaying the importance of maintaining the Silvertip
Maintenance Station for the residents of Seward and the surrounding community.
Section 3.This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this
23rd day of September, 2019.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
S'A -e
Sue McClure, Vice Mayor
AYES: Osenga, Seese, Horn,Towsley, Lane, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: Squires �+
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Brenda J. Ballou, MC
City Clerk
(City Seal) '' 4,
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COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Meeting Date: September 23, 2019
To: City Council
From: Council Member Towsley
Agenda Item: Requesting That Governor Mike Dunleavy Direct The State Of Alaska
Department Of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) To
Explore And Identify Funding Alternatives To Prevent The Closure Of
The Silvertip Maintenance Station At Mile 60 Near The Hope Junction
On The Seward Highway.
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) announced the
closure of the Silver Tip Maintenance Station, located at the junction of the Seward and Hope
highways in early September 2019. Operators from Silver Tip maintenance camp traditionally
covered the Seward Highway through Turnagain Pass.
The duties of plowing and road maintenance will now be split between Girdwood Maintenance
station and Crown Point.
The closure of the Silvertip camp and reduced number of heavy equipment operators will have
an impact on the hours of snow and ice removal through Turnagain Pass and along the highway
for miles. The potential negative impact and safety concerns raised by this closure, when
considered in tandem with historic winter storms in the area are of great concern to Seward City
Council.
Having a safe, dependable, passable highway is crucial for those traveling it, as well as for
communities on the Kenai Peninsula, often reliant upon freight including provisions and other
necessary supplies transported via the Seward Highway.
It is within the DOT & PF and governors offices' purview and power to identify alternative
funding and reverse the decision to close Silvertip highway maintenance camp.
The passage of this resolution will direct the city manager to compose and send a letter to the
Honorable Governor Mike Dunleavy and the State of Alaska Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities on behalf of council, relaying the importance of the Silvertip camp to the City of
Seward and Seward area residents, urging that alternative funding be identified and restored and
silvertip remain open and operational this winter.
INTENT:
176
Keep the Silvertip Maintenance Station located at Mile 60 of the Seward Highway open year
round.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A
Comprehensive Plan (document source here): X
Strategic Plan (document source here) : X
Other (list): X
FISCAL NOTE:
Approved by Finance Department:
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No Not Applicable _x
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 2019-087.
177