HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2020-095 CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA Sponsored by: Regis
RESOLUTION 2020-095
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, URGING THE ALASKA LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR
DUNLEAVY TO FULLY FUND THE MUNICIPAL HARBOR FACILITY
GRANT PROGRAM IN THE FY 2022 STATE CAPITAL BUDGET
WHEREAS, in 1999, the State of Alaska transferred ownership of harbors to the
communities; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that the backlog of projects necessary to repair and replace
these former state-owned harbors has increased to over$500 million; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cordova, City of Seward, City of Sand Point, the City and
Borough of Juneau, and the City and Borough of Sitka have offered to contribute$14,049,988 in
local match funding for FY2022 towards five harbor projects of significant importance locally as
required in the Harbor Facility Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, for each harbor facility grant application, these municipalities have
committed to invest 100% of the design and permitting costs and 50% of the construction cost;
and
WHEREAS, other communities have supported the City of Seward with resolutions to
the state to fund the Facility Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, during the last 11 years, the Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program has
only been fully funded twice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby urges the Alaska Legislature and Governor Dunleavy
to fully fund the Harbor Facility Matching Grant Program in the amount of$14,049,988 in the
FY2022 State Capital Budget in order to ensure enhanced safety and economic prosperity among
Alaskan coastal communities.
Section 2.This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this
14th day of December, 2020.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2020-095
TH IT OF S WA ASKA
risty Terry, ayo
AYES: Osenga, Seese, Baclaan, Casagranda, DeMoss, McClure,
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
renda J. Ballou, C
City Clerk
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: December 14, 2020
From: Norm Regis, Acting City Manager
Agenda Item: A resolution urging the State Legislature and Governor to fully fund
the Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program in the FY 2022 State
Capital Budget
BACKGROUND & TTUSTIFICATION:
The City of Seward received funding in 20I6 from the Harbor Facility Grant program with support
from other communities that have not requested funds. Now, The City of Seward is the number
one tier two applicant for the FY 22 Harbor Facility Grant.
The grant program was started because the State of Alaska transferred the responsibility for its
state-owned harbors to Iocal municipalities, but many harbors needed new capital investment. It
is currently estimated that the backlog of projects necessary to repair and replace these former
state-owned harbors has increased to over$500,000,000.
For FY 2022, many municipalities have grant applications pending with a total cost to the state of
$14,049,988. The grant program has only been fully funded twice.
The grant program is the City's best means to replace its docks and keep customer rate increases
to a minimum. By renewing our support to keep this grant funded each year, it would benefit other
communities and the City of Seward for future harbor improvements.
DOT Grant Program
The Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program is managed by DOT&PF. The program provides
50150 matching funds to eligible applicants. The program was created in 2006, but not funded
until 2007. The legislature supplied funding in subsequent years (but not in 2009). The money
can only be used for construction ready projects, not for planning or engineering. This grant
program is funded on an annual basis at the discretion of the AIaska Legislature and consists of
two tiers, Tier I and II. With State revenues projected to decline over the next few years, funding
for the municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program will be a bigger challenge for the Legislature.
INTENT:
To urge the state legislature and Governor to fully fund the state Municipal Harbor Facility Grant
Program in the amount of$14,049,988.
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CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A
2030 Seward Comprehensive Plan (page 16): Maintain a thriving port
1. of Seward through harbor improvements, infrastructure expansion, X
and implementation of management plans.
2 City of Seward Strategic Plan (page 7): Complete the renovation of X
the Seward Boat Harbor
3. Other:
FISCAL NOTE:
There is no fiscal impact from the passage of this support resolution. Fully funding the grant
program will help reduce the use of fund balance for future projects, improvements, and
maintenance.
Approved by Finance Department;
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes-No X
RECOMMENDATION:
Council approve Resolution 2020- , authorizing the City Administration and lobbyist to urge
the state legislature and governor to fully fund the 2022 Harbor Matching Grant program in the
amount of$14,049,988.
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