HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2023-019 Re-establish Ferry Terminal CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA Sponsored by: Bower
RESOLUTION 2023-019
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, SUPPORTING AND REQUESTING THE CITY OF SEWARD
BE RE-ESTABLISHED AS AN ACTIVE PORT FOR 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 (AMHS) 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
Vessels that service the region; and
WHEREAS, the restoration of Seward as an AMHS active 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, Seward is expected to have a new Chugachmiut Regional Health Center
completed in the coming years which will provide services to various communities and tribal
members in South Central Alaska; and
WHEREAS, resumption of ferry services would enhance accessibility to this new
clinic and additional heath and safety needs; and
WHEREAS,the re-establishment of Seward as an active port 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 Seward City Council hereby supports and requests that the City of
Seward be re-established as an active port of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2023-019
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 13th
day of February, 2023.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
c Ch.re
Sue McClure,Mayor
AYES: Osenga, Finch, DeMoss, Calhoon, Wells, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: Barnwell
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
/Ord
/ A 'AI1. .
:renda J. :allo /MMC
City Clerk iumyu
Of StiP*
(City ppo 'T''•.
s G ,c° R4r�=°
e
w • SEAL • �
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: February 13, 2023
To: City Council
From: Janette Bower, City Manager
Agenda Item: Resolution 2023-019: Supporting and Requesting the City of Seward Be Re-
Established as an Active 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.
166
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 Plan: 2.2.12.6
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
x Not applicable
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund (✓):
General SMIC N
Electric Wastewater
Boat Harbor ParkingWater Healthcare
Motor Pool Other
Note: amounts are unaudited
Fund Balance/Net position — restricted $
Fund Balance/Net position — unrestricted/unassigned $
Available Unrestricted Cash Balance: $
Finance Director Signature:
Attorney Review
RxYes Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
167
Administration Recommendation
eApprove Resolution
Other:
168