HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2022-017 Support Expansion of Alutiiq Hatchery Sponsored by: Bower
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-017
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, SUPPORTING CHUGACH REGIONAL RESOURCES
COMMISSION'S APPLICATION TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INDIGENOUS
COMMUNITIES FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPANSION OF THE
HATCHERY FACILITIES AT ALUTIIQ PRIDE MARINE INSTITUTE
WHEREAS, the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute operates on land leased from the City of
Seward, which the City of Seward leases to the University of Alaska; and
WHEREAS,the Chugach Regional Resources Commission("CRRC")is a nonprofit tribal
consortium that provides natural resource management services to seven tribes in the Chugach
Region, including oversight and operation of the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute as a subsidiary of
CRRC: and
WHEREAS,the facility that houses the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute(the"Facility")has
been managed, maintained, and operated by CRRC or Qutekcak Native Tribe, one of CRRC's
constituent tribes, for over 25 years; and
WHEREAS,CRRC has leased the Facility from the City since 2006 and the current lease
was executed on January 25,2021, and is effective until 2026,with an option for CRRC to renew
for five more years; and
WHEREAS, CRRC serves essential governmental functions for its constituent tribes in
the area of natural resource management,including food security,support of subsistence practices,
and cultivation of natural and traditional food sources, including shellfish and CRRC is uniquely
positioned as a tribal consortium to be eligible for funding opportunities that would benefit the
local economy and local residents; and
WHEREAS, CRRC has expressed its intent to apply for funds from the Economic
Development Administration("EDA")under the American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities
Funding Opportunity to construct an 8,694 square foot expansion of education, cultural, training,
office,housing, and lab space; and
WHEREAS, the EDA requires that CRRC have the legal capacity to protect the federal
interest in the Facility during the useful life of the project, which the EDA has determined to be
twenty years; and
WHEREAS, CRRC has demonstrated that it has the administrative capability to operate
the Facility and to insure and maintain the property; and
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-017
WHEREAS, the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute has provided local jobs and diversifies the
local economy, and the expansion of the Facility will provide possibilities for additional benefits
to the residents of Seward; and
WHEREAS, shellfish aquaculture increases economic industry in Seward and the health
of the surrounding marine ecosystems increases economic industry and opportunity for Seward;
and
WHEREAS, the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute plays an important role in managing and
protecting the natural resources that support the marine ecosystems upon which contribute to
Seward's continued economic success.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF SEWARD,
ALASKA that:
Section 1.The City Council expresses its support for the intent and purpose of the proposed
project to expand the Facility on the leased parcel.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska,this 14tn
day of February, 2022.
T E IT OF
C risty Terry
AYES: Osenga, Calhoon,Wells, DeMoss, McClure, Terry
NOES: None
ABSENT: Casagranda
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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City Council Agenda Statement
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Meeting Date: February 14, 2022 �
To: City Council
Through: Janette Bower, City Manager --
From: Norm Regis, Harbormaster
Agenda Item: Resolution 2022-017: Supporting Chugach Regional Resources Commission's
Application to the Economic Development Administration American Rescue
Plan Indigenous Communities Funding Opportunity for Expansion of the
Hatchery Facilities at Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute
Background and justification:
The Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (APMI) has operated at its current location for over 25 years. It
strengthens the local economy by providing stable jobs and provides support for food security in
Seward and throughout the Chugach region. APMI is owned and operated by Chugach Regional
Resources Commission (CRRC), a federally-recognized consortium that provides natural resource
management and economic development services for seven tribes, including the Qutekcak Native
Tribe in Seward.
The APMI houses shellfish hatchery operations, and mariculture and research projects, and also
monitors water quality and harmful algal blooms. They have needed to expand their facilities for
many years. A unique opportunity has arisen for them to secure funding for expansion through the
American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities funding opportunity from the U.S. Economic
Development Administration (EDA). They are uniquely positioned in the local community to take
advantage of this opportunity because the funding is available only to tribes or tribal consortia who
are federally recognized.They are applying for funds to construct an 8,694 square foot expansion of
education, cultural, training, office, housing, and lab space.
The APMI facility is on land that CRRC leases from the City, which the City owns. CRRC has leased
the property from the city since 2006, before which CRRC's constituent tribe, the Qutekcak Native
Tribe (QNT), leased and operated the facility beginning in 1997. So, CRRC and QNT have been a
reliable tenant and community partner at the APMI location for over 25 years.
In order to receive the grant funds to construct the expansion, CRRC must demonstrate to EDA that
it has legal control over the property and can consent to a lien against the portion of the property
that is improved with the federal funds that are provided through this project. This would be in one
of three ways: (1) if CRRC purchased the land and was the owner of the property; (2) if the City
agrees to be a partner on the project with the sole responsibility of consenting to the project,which
would require execution of a Memorandum of Agreement; or(3) if CRRC had legal control over the
property for the entire useful life of the expansion project and EDA, in its discretion, approves the
application and waives the ownership requirement. EDA has determined that the useful life of this
project would be 20 years.
They have expressed interest in purchasing the property, but that is a process that will need to take
place over time. Meanwhile,the grant application deadline is March 25. So they humbly request that
the Seward City Council consider and approve resolution 2022-000, which would demonstrate that
the City supports the proposed project. They believe that this expansion would greatly benefit our
local people, and I look forward to continuing and strengthening CRRC's current strong relationship
of partnership and collaboration with the City.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive 3.1.1.6 Support existing public institutions in
Plan: Their effort to maintain, expand and develop.
Strategic Plan: Page 6 Attract More Public Sector Federal V State Employment and
Program Funding
Other:
Certification of Funds
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 0
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of: $
Creates expenditure in amount of: $
Creates a savings in the amount of: $
X Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
X Not applicable
Finance Signature: >� ^�
Attorney Review✓ Administration Recommendation
X Yes X Adopt Resolution
Not applicable Other: