HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2021-023' CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sponsored by: Regis
RESOLUTION 2021-023
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, SUPPORTING AN EXEMPTION TO THE PASSENGER
VESSEL SERVICE ACT (PVSA) TO ALLOW THE CRUISE SHIP
INDUSTRY TO RESUME SAILING DURING THE 2021 SEASON
WHEREAS, due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruise ships were not allowed to operate
during the 2020 season; and
WHEREAS, this had a dramatic and negative financial impact on the Seward community
since a high amount of its revenue is generated by cruise ship visitors; and
WHEREAS, the decision to not have cruises come to Alaska caused Seward's bed tax to
decrease by 75% from previous years; and
WHEREAS, many regular, local businesses could not afford to open due to the lack of
visitors; and
' WHEREAS, 16 months have passed since Alaska last had a cruise ship visit; and
WHEREAS, this is continuing to devastate all Alaskan communities that depend on
tourism; and
WHEREAS, US Senator Dan Sullivan and the Alaska Congressional Delegation have
been engaging with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection
regarding the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) requirements for foreign cruise ships; and
WHEREAS, this delegation wrote to the Acting DHS Secretary requesting to allow cruise
traffic to Alaska without stops in Canada because Canada has closed its ports to cruise ships; and
WHEREAS, by-passing Canada would allow cruise ship traffic from the lower 48 states
coming to Alaska to continue; and
WHEREAS, the cruise industry will be following the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, which is a list of requirements that
cruise lines must follow to receive a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate from the CDC;
and
WHEREAS, these requirements will ensure the safety of cruise line passengers and allow
' Alaskan communities to survive the 2021 season.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2021-023
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The Seward City Council hereby directs the city manager to send a letter, along
with this resolution, to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection,
strongly advocating for an exemption to the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) and allowing
cruise ships to sail to Alaska in 2021.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 22"
day of February, 2021.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
(City
Osenga, McClure, Casagranda, DeMoss, geese, tsaciaan, i eny
None
None
None
• SEAL l •
OF
1
1
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: February 22, 2021
To: City Council
Through: Norm Regis, Acting City Manager
Agenda Item: Support the Cruise Ship Industry to Resume Sailing During the 2021 Season
BACKGROUND & .TUSTIFICATION:
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruise ships were not allowed to operate during 2020. This had a
dramatically negative financial impacts on the Seward community since a high amount of its revenue
is generated by cruise ship visitors.
Seward's bed tax has decreased by 75% from previous years and many businesses cannot afford to
reopen due to the lack of visitors. Sixteen months have passed since Alaska has last seen a cruise
ship, and this will continue to devastate Alaskan communities that depend on tourism for its revenue.
Senator Sullivan and the Alaska Congressional Delegation have been engaging with the Department
of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection regarding the Passenger Vessel Service
Act (PVSA) requirements for foreign cruise ships. They have written to the Acting DHS Secretary to
allow cruise traffic without stops in Canada, since they have closed their ports to cruise ships. This
would allow cruise traffic from the lower 48 states to Alaska to continue.
The cruise industry will be following the CDC's Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, which is
a Iist of requirements that cruise lines must follow to receive a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing
Certificate from the CDC. These requirements will ensure the safety of cruise line passengers and
allow Alaskan communities to survive the 2021 season.
INTENT:
To support cruise ship businesses operating in Alaska for the 2021 season
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Yes
No
NIA
1.
Comprehensive Plan:
2.
Strategic Plan:
:3.]
Other:
FISCAL NOTE:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this support resolution.
Approved by Finance Department:��
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council approve Resolution 2021 , advocating for an exemption to the PVSA and
allow cruise ships to sail to Alaska in 2021.