HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2023-114 Urging Alaska Legislature on Harbor Facility Grant Sponsored
OF SEWARD,ALASKA by: Sorensen
RESOLUTION 2023-114
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA,URGING THE ALASKA LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR TO
FULLY FUND THE MUNICIPAL HARBOR FACILITY GRANT
PROGRAM IN THE FY 2025 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$500,000,000; and
WHEREAS, the municipalities of Sitka and Juneau have committed to contribute half of
their project cost in local match funding for FY2025 towards 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 Seward with "resolutions to the state to
fund the Facility Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, during the last fifteen 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 Manager be directed to urge the Alaska Legislature and Governor to
fully fund the Harbor Facility Matching Grant Program in the amount of$7,644,677 in the FY2025
State Capital Budget in order to ensure enhanced safety and economic prosperity among Alaskan
coastal communities.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9th
day of October 2023.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2023-114
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THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Barnwell, Finch, Wells, Calhoon, Osenga, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: DeMoss
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Jod' Kurtz
Acting City Clerk
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City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: October 9, 2023
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorenson, City Manager
From: Norm Regis, Harbormaster
Subject: Resolution 2023-114: Urging the Alaska Legislature and
Governor to fully fund the municipal Harbor Facility Grant
Program in the FY 2025 State Capital Budget.
Background and justification:
The City of Seward received funding in 2016 from the Harbor Facility Grant program with support
from other communities that have not requested funds. The City of Seward would like to support
other communities.
The grant program was started because the State of Alaska transferred the responsibility for its
State-owned harbors to local 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 2025 many municipalities have grant applications pending with a total cost to the state of
$7,644,677. 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, with renewing our support to keep this grant funded each year 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
50/50 matching funds to eligible applicants. The program was created in 2006 but was 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 Alaska 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.
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Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 3.5.1 Maintain a thriving port of Seward through harbor
improvements, infrastructure expansion, and implementation of
management plans.
Strategic Plan: Complete the renovation of the Seward Boat Harbor
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 Electric Wastewater
Boat Harbor Parking F1 Wat F1 Healthcare
Motor Pool Other
Note:amounts are unaudited
Available Fund Balance $
Finance Director Signature:
Attorney Review
Yes Attorney
Signature:
X Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
XeAdopt AM
Other:
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