Thomas Imboden Letter 12-8-2006

As we all know, we in GustaVUS have a pressing need for new dock facilities. In years past we were on the fast tract for a new dock. We were subsequentlY removed from DOT’s list of facilities in need of immediate attention. Recently, national disasters have spotlighted transportation projects within Alaska which many in the United States looked at as gross pork barrel legislation, unneeded and a waste of transportation monies. Two premier projects in the above category are the bridges in Ketchican and Anchorage. After much public criticism subsequent congressional legislative action removed the two bridges from the “earmarked” designation. The State of Alaska will still enjoy the monies allocated for the construction of the two bridges. However, the monies are not required to be used in the construction of the two aforementioned projects. In other words, the monies for the two projects can be used for other needed construction (transportation) projects within the State of Alaska.
Currently, there are three million dollars allocated for the Gustavus dock project. Clearly, three million dollars are inadequate for dock design and construction. It is estimated that thirteen million dollars plus is necessary for the project to come to fruition.
This present’s opportunities for Gustavus which by any reasonable presuit should be carried forward. Specifically, Gustavus should lobby the state legislature, governor and the department of transportation for sufficient monies for the immediate design and construction of new dock facilities within Gustavus. (Within Gustavus is defined as not within the boundaries of Glacier Bay National Park.) Lobbying activities require effort and adequate financial resources to accomplish the desired outcome.
At this time, Gustavus has a 4% tax on lodging. One half of the lodging tax monies received by the City of Gustavus are to be used for tourism promotion and related activities. Currently, Gustavus enjoys a healthy charter boat fishing fleet. Any reasonable person would argue that the current dock is unsafe and a danger to charter boat operators and their clients. Most, if not all, of the charter boat clients rent lodging within Gustavus during their fishing vacation. Therefore, it is reasonable and prudent to utilize the resources available derived from this source to lobby for the construction of a new Gustavus Dock using the monies available from the lodging tax revenues.
Another potential revenue source, although unlikely, is homeland security.

Grant monies are available to upgrade existing dock facilities throughout Alaska and the United States for security purposes. Grant monies may be available to include security and structural upgrades for a replacement Gustavus Dock. I would argue that a prudent usage of available time and resources in this presuit may in the long run prove to be a valuable investment in the goal of having adequate dock facilities which would serve both the charter fleet and the community of Gustavus.
We should nor squander the opportunity that has been presented to us. The time is ripe, we should go forward and achieve the desired outcome.