A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOMER, ALASKA SUPPORTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KACHEMAK BAY SCIENCE STATION ON THE REFURBISHED MAIN DOCK.

WHEREAS; the City of Homer, as part of the Pioneer Dock project, will retain and resurface a substantial portion of the existing Main Dock for public and community benefit, and

WHEREAS; maintenance costs of the dock would be included in any lease arrangement with the Kachemak Bay Science Station, and

WHEREAS; it is the city's understanding that long term operation and maintenance costs will be considered when accessing the feasibility of the Kachemak Bay Science Station, and

WHEREAS; the Kachemak Bay Science Station, operated by the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve will partner or collaborate with existing community natural history, environmental, and education organizations to promote the highest quality educational opportunities for the public, and

WHEREAS; the Kachemak Bay Science Station will increase the public awareness of estuarine and marine resources in the region and promote resource appreciation and stewardship, and

WHEREAS; this facility will complement the remote facilities at the Kasitsna Bay Lab, managed by the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, which is primarily directed towards seasonal research and college-level education programs, and

WHEREAS; this facility will provide unique cost-effective learning opportunities for researchers, the general public, handicap individuals, and students who require access to year-around salt water education and research facilities, and

Whereas, the development of the Kachemak Bay Science Station will use part of the old pier, thereby allowing space for the development of a maritime museum or other approved use of the pier; and

Whereas, the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve will immediately establish a broad based advisory committee that will develop research and education committees consistent with the intent and objectives of the final NERR Management Plan, and these committees will play a meaningful role in the planning, development, construction and implementation of a marine research and educational facility on the old city dock.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Homer, Alaska Supports the following:

1. The construction of the Kachemak Bay Science Station on the refurbished Main Dock; and

2. Timely appropriation of funds to design the Kachemak Bay Science Station to coordinate with the Man Dock's summer refurbishing schedule; and

3. The appropriation of funds to construct the Kachemak Bay Science Station.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 26th day of February, 2001.

CITY OF HOMER

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ATTEST: JACK CUSHING, MAYOR

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MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: NA