HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2022-032 Requesting A Ferry Sponsored by: Bower
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-032
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, REQUESTING SEWARD BE REESTABLISHED AS AN
EMBARKATION PORT OF THE ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the 2030 Seward Comprehensive Plan Goal 2.2.12.6 is to support
establishment of Alaska Marine Highway System service; and
WHEREAS, the 2016 Alaska Department of Transportation Study conducted by the
McDowell Group found that the "state-run ferry system generates a return of more than $2
to the state for every $1 invested"; and
WHEREAS, by state statute, Seward is the service port for Alaska Marine Highway
System (AMHS) vessels that service the region; and
WHEREAS, the restoration of Seward as an AMHS embarkation port would have
positive social and economic impacts for both Seward and connecting communities through
increased access and commerce; and
WHEREAS, the United States Coast Guard connections between Seward, Kodiak,
Valdez, and Cordova would be strengthened; and
WHEREAS, it would create a transportation system redundancy that would be vital in
case of infrastructure failure or natural disaster in the region; and
WHEREAS,the re-establishment would overall be beneficial to Seward,the South Central
Region, and the State of Alaska as a whole.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City Council supports/requests that Seward be re-established as an
embarkation port of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this le'
day of March,2022.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-032
T C 0 SEWARD, ALASKA
risty Terr , Mayo
AYES: Calhoon, Wells, Casagranda, DeMoss, McClure, Terry
NOES: None
ABSENT: Osenga
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Brenda J. Ballou MC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
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SEAL0
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OF AV
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: March 14, 2021
To: City Council
From: Janette Bower, City Manager
Agenda Item: Resolution 2022-032: Requesting Seward be Reestablished as an
Embarkation Port of the Alaska Marine Highway System
Background and justification:
Seward lost Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) service in the Fall of 2005.The economic study
commissioned by the City Council in 2004 and was released in 2005, showed the loss negatively
impacted Seward by $1.8 million annually.
Returning AMHS Service to Seward would have a significant positive impact on Seward,the Region,
and State. According to the ADOT 2016 Economic Impacts of the Alaska Marine Highway System
study conducted by the McDowell Group:
- The state-run ferry system generates a return of more than $2 to the state for every $1
invested
- The AMHS spent$84 million with over 500 Alaska businesses in 2014 operations and capital
expenditures
- In 2014, the AMHS carried 319,000 passengers, 108,000 vehicles, and almost 4,000
container vans of freight
- Two-thirds of AMHS users are Alaska residents
- AMHS is a major transporter for the Alaska Seafood Industry
The 2030 Seward Comprehensive Plan 2.2.12.6 states: Support establishment of Alaska Marine
Highway System service.
Positive impacts:
- There continues to be traveler and tourist demand for AMHS out of Seward as evidenced by
the amount of calls the Chamber of Commerce receives each year regarding availability and
schedules.
- It would increase the capacity and reach of the Alaska Rail Road for passengers, vehicles,
and freight both incoming and outgoing.
- It would create access redundancy for Seward in the case of a catastrophic event such as
an avalanche or an earthquake that would disrupt the highway access.
- By Alaska State Statute, AMHS vessels are to be repaired in Seward. The return of service
would ensure business continues.
- It would create stronger ties for the Coast Guard Communities between Kodiak, Valdez,
Cordova, and Seward with the incoming Fast Response Cutter and updated base coming to
Seward in 2024.
- With the Chugachmiut Clinic being built in the coming years, it would create another way to
access the clinic for our rural community partners.
- It would increase work for local Longshoremen and create more local jobs for both direct
and indirect services.
Other potential impacts include:
- Lower costs of freight for local businesses
- Increase business for support services (fuel, supplies)
- Increase business for our seafood processors (seafood freight is currently being run on the
AMHS to Whittier and Homer)
- Increase non-summer visitor traffic of Alaska residents to Seward
- Reduced travel costs for student athletics in the Region
- Create business and increase commerce opportunities between Seward and other AMHS
communities
- Open opportunities for more federal funding
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive 2.2.12.6
Plan:
Strategic Plan:
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
Not applicable
Unassigned Fund Balance and Available Unrestricted Cash Balance Information
Fund (✓):
General SMIC Electric Wastewater
Boat Harbor Parking F1 Water F1 Healthcare
Motor Pool Other
Unassigned Fund Balance*: $ *Unaudited numbers
Available Unrestricted Cash Balance*: $
Finance Signature:
Attorney Review✓ Administration Recommendation
RxYes x Adopt Resolution
Not applicable Other: