CITY OF HOMER

HOMER, ALASKA

                                    City Manager

RESOLUTION 08-95(S)

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, SUPPORTING DESIGNATION OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH STERLING BYWAYS AS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS

 

 

WHEREAS, The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities previously designated the Sterling Highway as a State Scenic Byway between the Wye and Skilak Lake Road, and between Stariski Creek and Homer; and

 

            WHEREAS, Byway supporters in Cooper Landing, Anchor Point, Homer, and elsewhere along the route have worked to create a North and South Sterling Byways Corridor Partnership Plan (CPP); and

 

            WHEREAS, The CPP documents “recreation” as the primary intrinsic quality of the North and South Sterling Byways, due in part to the world-class freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities accessed from the Byways; and

 

            WHEREAS, Other recreation opportunities include camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, canoeing, river rafting, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, snow-machining, dog mushing, berry-picking, hunting, and horseback riding; and

 

            WHEREAS, “Cultural” qualities are documented as a co-primary intrinsic quality, referring to the unique character of the communities and residents who live on the edge of wilderness along the North and South Sterling Byways and celebrate life with art, music, festivals, and a warm and welcoming attitude toward visitors; and

 

            WHEREAS, “Natural and scenic” qualities are named as secondary intrinsic qualities, referring to the spectacular scenery visible from the North and South Sterling Byways and the diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for more than 200 wildlife species, including those in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and numerous state parks and critical habitat areas; and

 

            WHEREAS, The CPP also describes specific areas for improvement of the visitor experience along the North and South Sterling Byways, addressing such topics as access to recreation, safety, mapping and signage, and marketing to encourage visitation during shoulder and winter seasons; and

 

            WHEREAS, The City of Homer will collaborate with its partners to accomplish these projects and, as funding permits, will take the lead on those that already appear in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, such as completion of the Homer Spit Trail, new and improved restrooms, and End of the Road Park; and

 

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Resolution 08-95(S)

CITY OF HOMER

 

            WHEREAS, A successful application for National Scenic Byway designation will place Homer at the intersection of two National Scenic Byways (the Sterling Byway and the Alaska Marine Highway); and

 

             WHEREAS, National Scenic Byway status will enhance opportunities for marketing the Kenai Peninsula and for raising funds for projects that will benefit visitors and locals alike.

 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Homer City Council supports the nomination of the North and South Sterling Byways as National Scenic Byways and urges the Federal Highway Administration to award National Scenic Byway designation.

 

            PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 15th day of September, 2008.

 

 

CITY OF HOMER

 

 

________________________________

JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

ATTEST:

 

 

________________________________________

JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

 

Fiscal Note: N/A