Spit Trail Closure on August 21 and 22

Homer, Alaska, August 14, 2023 – The City of Homer, in conjunction with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management, will temporarily close a portion of the Spit Trail on Monday, August 21, and Tuesday, August 22, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The closure aims to facilitate the installation of enhanced tsunami sirens by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management and the execution of a testing project. The affected segment of the trail will be inaccessible from the area opposite Mariner Park, extending for approximately one mile, as indicated on the map above.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management, responsible for overseeing the tsunami siren upgrade and test project, is committed to enhancing public safety and disaster preparedness within our region. The initiative will enhance safety and emergency communication in Homer and the Borough by addressing gaps identified in the Borough's All-Hazards Alert and Broadcast System assessment. The project involves the enhancement of existing sirens to expand current coverage and improve the clarity of warning messages.

Closure Details:

• Dates: August 21 and 22, 2023
• Times: from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closure Area: The Spit Trail section across from Mariner Park, spanning approximately one mile (see map).
• Purpose: Installation of upgraded tsunami sirens and comprehensive testing by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management.

During the closure period, individuals are advised to avoid the closed segment of the Spit Trail for their safety and to facilitate uninterrupted upgrade and testing project implementation. People are encouraged to explore alternative routes and outdoor activities within the broader vicinity of Homer.

The collaboration between the City of Homer and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management in this endeavor underscores our dedication to readiness and community safety. We greatly appreciate the community's understanding and cooperation as we collectively enhance our emergency response capabilities.

For additional information and updates regarding the Spit Trail, contact the Office of the City Manager at 907-435-3102 or citymanager@ci.homer.ak.us.

For more information about emergency preparedness, updates on the outdoor warning sirens, and other important information, visit and follow the @KPBAlerts Facebook page, and go to https://info.kpb.us and sign up for KPB Alerts.

About the Kenai Peninsula Borough Siren Upgrade Project to Enhance Emergency Alert System

In July, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management began the siren install and update project, starting with sirens in the Kachemak Bay area. The contractor will be conducting a live audio test on each new siren as they are installed throughout the month of August.

This project will enhance safety and emergency communication in Homer and the Borough by addressing deficiencies identified in the Borough's All-Hazards Alert and Broadcast System assessment. The project will improve existing sirens to

• boost current coverage, and
• provide clearer warning messages

It will also expand coverage by adding two new sirens at strategic locations on the Peninsula (one at Northern Enterprises Boat Yard on Kachemak Drive and another at the solid waste transfer site in Anchor Point).

Each site is projected to require one day for completion. The Borough anticipates only minimal traffic disruptions, such as reduced lanes at the Anchor Point transfer site. The Kenai Peninsula Borough will coordinate with the Alaska Department of Transportation to ensure efficient traffic management during the installation process.

For any project-related inquiries, contact Paul McBride, OEM Program Manager for Preparedness, at pmcbride@kpb.us or 907-262-2097.