A RESOLUTION OPPOSING COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE TO HOUSE BILL 28 WHICH WOULD MODIFY THE ALASKA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ALASKA COASTAL POLICY COUNCIL

WHEREAS, House Bill 28, sponsored by Representative Therriault, proposes significant changes to the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) and the responsibilities of the Alaska Coastal Policy Council; and

WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly adopted Resolution 97-014 on March 18, 1997, opposing HB 28; and

WHEREAS, the committee substitute and proposed amendments are confusing and appear to reduce the effectiveness of the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) while costing the State and local governments considerable money, time, and effort to implement; and

WHEREAS, the ACMP provides an opportunity and voice for coastal communities, such as the Kenai Peninsula Borough, to participate in decisions affecting their areas; and

WHEREAS, the ACMP provides local government and citizens with a more equitable share of government authority when dealing with state and federal agencies; and

WHEREAS, the ACMP helps to facilitate and streamline the review and approval of permits for proposed development projects for coastal communities; and

WHEREAS, the ACMP has been in existence since 1979 and has been widely viewed as a valuable service and effective voice for coastal communities; and

WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough has formally participated in this program since the adoption of Ordinance 90-39; and

WHEREAS, the Coastal District boundary and enforceable policies of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal Management Plan were established with public input and are linked to a local desire to balance economic development, environmental stewardship, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the Borough receives annual funding to support local coastal management program implementation through federal pass-through funds and state grants, and during Fiscal Years 1993-1998, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal District received over $600,000 for plan implementation and special projects; and

WHEREAS, these projects include an Access Study for the Kenai River, the Kenai River 309 Study, the Area Meriting Special Attention Plan for Port Graham and Nanwalek, and project reviews coordinated by State of Alaska, Division of Governmental Coordination within the Kenai Peninsula Borough Coastal District, which assist the private sector in resolving project conflict; and

WHEREAS, as the Borough continues to grow and the economy continues to diversify, coastal zone management will become more important in directing that growth and diversification.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH:

SECTION 1. The Kenai Peninsula Borough supports the Alaska Coastal Management Program and opposes the Committee Substitute to House Bill 28 and other legislative efforts which reduces the local option to evaluate and provide input on development or resource uses which impact the local economy and quality of life.

SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its adoption.

SECTION 3. That a copy of this Resolution be delivered to the State Legislative representatives of the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Governor Tony Knowles.

ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH THIS 21^st DAY OF APRIL, 1998.

Jack Brown, Assembly President

ATTEST:

Linda Murphy, Borough Clerk