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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2022-83~ Sponsored by: Baisden, Winger, Knackstedt, Askin, Douthit, Sounart K~NAI CITY OF KENAI RESOLUTION NO. 2022-83 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA DECLARE AN ECONOMIC DISASTER FOR 2021 AND 2022 FOR THE UPPER COOK INLET EAST SIDE SET NET FISHERY AND SUPPORTING A RECOVERY PLAN . WHEREAS, the City of Kenai recognizes and supports the positive economic and cultural impact of commercial fisheries in the Upper Cook Inlet Region; and, WHEREAS, the City supports the Upper Cook Inlet salmon fishery and City residents, fami lies and businesses that participate in the salmon fishery along with other users of this fishery's resource; and, WHEREAS, commercial fishing harvests in the East Side Setnet Fishery in the Upper Cook Inlet were 63% and 90% less than the average 5 year gross ex-vessel value (excluding prior disaster years 2018 and 2020) for 2021 and 2022 respectively; and, WHEREAS, the dramatic decline threatens the livelihood of the individuals, families, and businesses participating in the fishery, and jeopardizes the continued viability of the industry in the Upper Cook Inlet Region; and, WHEREAS, much of the loss for the 2021 and 2022 seasons was due to harvest restrictions imposed through the management plan based on low Chinook abundance; and, WHEREAS, a Governor's State of Alaska disaster declaration creates a means for financial assistance for those involved in the fishery and could also provide assistance for science and resource management benefiting all users; and , WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Kenai to request that Governor Mike Dunleavy declare an Economic Disaster in the Upper Cook Inlet Fisheries Region, and to support a recovery plan that directly assists fisheries participants and benefits all users of this important natural resource. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, A LASKA: Section 1. That the Ci ty Council of the City of Kenai requests that Governor Mike Dunleavy declare an Econom ic Disaster in the Upper Cook Inlet Fisheries Region and that the State of Alaska implement a recovery plan that benefits commercia l fisheries users and others that rely on this important fisheries resource . Section 2. That a copy of this Resolution be provided to Governor Mike Dunleavy, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Representative Justin Ruffridge, and Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre. Section 3. That this Resolution takes effect immediately upon passage . PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA , THIS 21 5T DAY OF DECEMBER , 2022. ATTEST: New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] Resolution No. 2022-83 Page2~ ~ityClerk New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED)