Resolution 15-062 Urging Alaska Congressional Delegation to Negotiate with U.S. Navy to Change Training Exercises

CITY OF HOMER

HOMER, ALASKA

Lewis

RESOLUTION 15-062

A  RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER,  ALASKA, URGING THE ALASKA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO ENGAGE IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE U.S. NAVY TO CHANGE TRAINING EXERCISES IN THE GULF OF ALASKA.

WHEREAS, The City of Homer supports vibrant fishing economies that illustrate coastal Alaska's reliance on the fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Alaska; and

WHEREAS, The City of Homer supports a strong national defense, and recognizes the need for trainings and exercises to promote military readiness; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Navy conducted training exercises in June 2015 which released pollutants into waters designated by NOAA as Essential Fish Habitat for a multitude of species that support economic development in Alaskan coastal communities and the harvest of wild Alaskan fish for global markets; and

WHEREAS, The Homer City Council passed Resolution 15-043 in June 2015 urging the U.S. Navy to change training exercises in the Gulf of Alaska.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Homer, Alaska, does hereby request that the Alaska Congressional Delegation engage in negotiations with the U.S. Navy to move these trainings to less sensitive areas 200 nautical miles from Alaska’s shoreline, and conduct the exercises at a later time in the year to avoid spawning, rearing and migrating fish, and other species.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager contacts other coastal Alaskan communities that have passed resolutions to request the U.S. Navy change training exercises and ask that they join with Homer in requesting action from the Alaska Congressional Delegation.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council on this 27th day of July, 2015.

                                                                                                         CITY OF HOMER

                                                                                                         ____________________

                                                                                                         MARY E. WYTHE, MAYOR

ATTEST:

___________________________

JO JOHNSON, MMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: N/A