By Clay Koplin
Cordova Mayor
A draft fisheries disaster declaration resolution is included in the City Council meeting packet for council consideration, a first step in engaging State of Alaska mechanisms to help our fishing fleets manage their low-income season.
I have reviewed recent attorney-client correspondence to the City, and have some recommendations/considerations for council regarding legal costs and representation, particularly structural improvements.
I had an opportunity to meet with Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO), Alyeska Pipeline Services, and RCAC representatives both last week and this to better understand their goals and objectives, and to welcome them to Cordova. I extended our appreciation to RCAC for the important oversight they perform for our region, and to Alyeska and ECO for their commitment to safely managing the flow of oil through the State and its waters and the economic benefits of that industry to Alaska.
Councilman Bailer had questions regarding the capital budget and in speaking with Clerk Bourgeois and Interim Manager Hicks, it appears there are two capital projects lists, neither of which necessarily includes large maintenance items like boiler or HVAC upgrades, or pool maintenance for example. It would be good for council and manager to clarify what is expected of the budget capital and maintenance projects list, and the capital priorities list that we share with Juneau and D.C.
Ephraim Froelich from Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s office, contacted me Thursday to confirm that the State of Alaska department of transportation was awarded the $8.9 million dollar grant for Mudhole Smith Airport apron upgrades and resurfacing. As an aside, Ephraim has been working the Naval training exercises timing issues for coastal Alaska.
Letters to USFS and AMHS are still in progress when and if necessary and will be copied to council if straightforward or pre-authorized, or brought to council beforehand if there are sensitive or controversial elements that I think the council should weigh in on before I act as the council’s spokesperson on that issue.
I did hear from Southeast Conference regarding the $1,500 Cordova contribution to the AMHS evaluation and they were very appreciative. I will provide more detail as part of my verbal report.
I will have several smaller items to touch on verbally in my meeting report.
— Clay Koplin
