Assembly narrows approach on Saint Herman Harbor: consider seeking Phase 1 funding

Assembly discussion on Jan. 13 focused on how the Kodiak Island Borough should present the Saint Herman Harbor project on state and federal CIP lists. Amy, speaking for borough staff, said updated figures show three phases ‘‘each phase being between 28 and 33,000,000’’ and that staff can prepare resolutions for both the state and federal lists for Thursday’s packet. The mayor and several members said asking specifically for Phase 1 would help target lobbying efforts.

Staff and elected members outlined the project financing as follows: Phase 1 has been awarded by the Maritime Administration (staff said) and carries a $28–33 million price tag; the city of Kodiak would be responsible for a modest federal match (reported by staff as a little over $2.8 million); additional state harbor grants and other funds could reduce the gap but staff estimated the borough remains about $10–15 million short for Phase 1. Amy and other staff emphasized the need to finish permitting (an environmental assessment was described as likely to be submitted within 14 days) before construction can proceed and said once funding and permits are in place, construction would take about 18 months.

Assembly members emphasized framing the CIP submission to reflect that Phase 1 is the start of a longer effort so the community understands additional funding will be required beyond a single phase. "That way it just helps me, you know, target," the mayor said when describing how to lobby for the project. Several assembly members said they prefer a focused Phase 1 request rather than listing the full range of possible total costs.

Why this matters: Harbor infrastructure drives fishing and maritime operations in the borough; whether the assembly asks for one phase or the full project affects lobbying strategy and the probability of winning state or federal funding.

What happens next: Staff said they will prepare the resolutions and email updated materials for the Thursday packet so the assembly can act then.

Provenance: The discussion of figures, funding gaps and permitting is recorded in the CIP segment.