CITY OF HOMER

CITY HALL

MEMORANDUM EDC 06-09

To: Economic Development Commission
From: Anne Marie Holen, Special Projects Coordinator
Date: September 6, 2006
Subject: Staff Report

· CIP progress: The City Council will discuss the Capital Improvement Plan at a worksession on September 11. Recommendations from the EDC and other commissions were provided to the Mayor and Council in advance of the meeting. Final approval of the CIP and associated resolutions is expected on October 23. Soon afterward, the City will begin providing information on priority projects to the Governor’s office in the hope that the “Governor’s budget” for FY 2008 will include funding for these projects. The Governor’s budget then serves as a starting point when the Legislature begins budget discussions in 2007.

· Mariner Park development: I have not heard anything back from other commissions regarding the request for input.

· Scenic Byways grant: We received word last week that the City of Homer will be awarded $63,000 in Federal Highways/National Scenic Byway Program grant funds to cover the costs of design for completion of the Homer Spit Trail (from the fishing lagoon to the ferry terminal at Pioneer Dock). The City was eligible for the grant program because the Alaska Marine Highway is a National Scenic Byway. The City, the Chamber of Commerce, and others are seeking National Scenic Byway designation for the Sterling Highway also. An application will likely be submitted in early 2007.

· Natural gas coming to Homer? Homer residents have been hearing this rumor for years. On August 14, City Manager Walt Wrede met with Enstar representatives to discuss plans and progress. Afterward, Walt reported that Enstar hopes to have natural gas to the most populated areas of Homer within five years. A new prospect just south of Ninilchik looks promising. However, a number of variables could change the picture. A recent article on this topic from Petroleum News is attached, FYI.

· I will not be here for the October 10 EDC meeting, but will look forward to hearing about it when I get back (from New Mexico). I will be here through October 6, so will be able to prepare a staff report for the 10/10 packet.