CITY OF HOMER Mayor HOMER, ALASKA

RESOLUTION 05-24

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA IN SUPPORT OF MAINTAINING A STRONG AND RELIABLE ESCORT FLEET AND PRESERVING THE PRACTICE OF REQUIRING TWO ESCORTS, AS CURRENTLY PRACTICED, FOR ALL LADEN TANKERS TRANSITING PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND.

WHEREAS, The composition of Trans Alaska Pipeline System trade tankers is moving towards a fleet of double-hulled tankers as required by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990; and

WHEREAS, The current Prince William Sound Escort system safe guards against oil spills caused by navigational errors, severe weather and human or organizational errors; and

WHEREAS, The current Prince William Sound escort systems provides the capability of immediate, on scene response of two escort vessels; and

WHEREAS, Laden double hull tankers, including those with redundant systems are currently voluntarily escorted in a two tug escort configuration; and

WHEREAS, Since the implementation of the current escort system there have been no major oil spills and potential accidents have been reduced to near misses; and

WHEREAS, It is imprudent to reduce proven prevention programs based solely on improvements in vessel engineering and design; and

WHEREAS, A large oil spill in Prince William Sound would likely adversely affect the commercial fisheries and tourism industry in Lower Cook Inlet and cause major environmental. damage.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Homer City Council hereby supports the continued operation of the Prince William Sound escort system in the configuration as described in the 2001 Vessel Escort and Response Plan for all laden tankers transiting Prince William Sound.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOMER, ALASKA, this 28th day of February, 2005.

CITY OF HOMER

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ATTEST: JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

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MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: NA