Resolution No. 2004-10

WHEREAS, the City’s existing marine facilities consist of a structurally impaired, 50-year-old trestle style dock; and a damaged boat launch ramp and barge landing in the Salmon River; and

WHEREAS, the absence of a road connection between Gustavus and any other community in Southeast Alaska makes our marine facilities a vital link to the outside; and 

WHEREAS, an estimated 2.5 million pounds of freight and 27,000 commercial passengers annually depend on these aging facilities; and other uses such as liquid petroleum transfer, recreational boating, local subsistence hunting and fishing, commercial fishing, sport-fishing charters, whalewatching, kayak drop-off services, and visitor access to Glacier Bay National Park; and

WHEREAS, the inevitable failure of these deteriorated marine facilities threatens the economic viability of the community; and 

WHEREAS, the City and its residents would benefit from a dock able to accommodate a greater variety of freight carriers and provide safer access for large and small vessels; and

WHEREAS, the newly formed City of Gustavus has no standing committee to work with State and Federal Agencies and other funding sources concerning marine facility improvements;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council supports the creation of  a standing committee named the Gustavus Marine Facilities Committee to take the necessary actions to help the City obtain necessary funding and approval to improve these marine facilities and to make recommendations for their long term maintenance;

PASSED and APPROVED by the Gustavus City Council this 11th day of November, 2004

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Sandi Marchbanks, Mayor                                       Ben Sadler, City Clerk