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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2023-63• l Sponsored by: Knackstedt, Baisden, Daniel, Sounart, Askin KENAI CITY OF KENAI RESOLUTION NO.2023-63 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA DESIGNATE BY PROCLAMATION AN ECONOMIC DISASTER FOR 2023 FOR THE UPPER COOK INLET EAST SIDE SET NET FISHERY AND SUPPORTING A RECOVERY PLAN. WHEREAS, the City of Kenai recognizes 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, families and businesses that participate in the salmon fishery along with other users of this fishery's resource; and, WHEREAS, for the first time in the history of the East Side Set Net Fishery, no fishing time or harvest was allowed for the East Side Set Net Fishery resulting in a 100% loss of traditional income; and, WHEREAS, the dramatic complete loss of the fishery threatens the livelihood of the individuals, families, and businesses participating in the fishery, and jeopardizes the continued viability of the commercial fishing industry in the Upper Cook Inlet Region; and, WHEREAS, at the same time the Set Net fishery was closed, both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers far exceeded the midpoint of their Sustainable Escapement Goals for sockeye; 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 proclaim an Economic Disaster in the Upper Cook Inlet Fisheries Region, and 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, ALASKA: Section 1. That the City Council respectfully requests that Commissioner Julie Sande, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, recommend to Governor Dunleavy to designate, by proclamation, the areas of the Kenai Peninsula Borough affected by the 2023 Upper Cook Inlet East Side Set Net Fishery closure as area impacted by an economic disaster. Section 2. That the City Council respectfully requests that Governor Dunleavy designate by proclamation, as described in AS 44.33.285, the area of the Upper Cooke Inlet East Side Set Net Fishery as an area impacted by an economic disaster and that the State of Alaska implement a recovery plan that provides private assistance and takes other actions that benefit commercial fisheries participants and others that rely on this important fishery resource. Section 3. The City Council also respectfully requests that the State of Alaska urge the Federal Department of Commerce and all other applicable federal agencies to render private and public assistance to all affected persons and entities as provided under the Magnuson -Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act. New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] Resolution No. 2023-63 Page 2of2 Section 4. That a copy of this Resolution will be provided to Commissioner Julie Sande, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, and to the Office of Governor Mike Dunleavey. Section 5. That a copy of this Resolution will be provided to State Senator Jesse Bjorkman and State Senator Gary Stevens, State Representative Ben Carpenter, State Representative Justin Ruffridge, State Representative Louise Stutes, and State Representative Sarah Vance. Section 6. That this Resolution takes effect immediately upon passage. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, THIS 1ST DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2023. Brian Gabriel Sr., Mayor ATTEST. Michelle M. San , MMC, City Clerk New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] City of Kenai 1 210 Fidalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1907.283.75351 wwwkenai.city ll'IT LIE I z _1 I 111I►1 TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members FROM: Henry Knackstedt, Council Member DATE: October 24, 2023 SUBJECT: Resolution 2023 — 63 Economic Disaster for 2023 for Upper Cook Inlet East Side Set Net Fishery This Resolution request the governor to proclaim a local economic disaster for the East Side Setnet Fishery that had no harvest due to complete closure for the first time in history. This Resolution also requests federal aid for the fishery. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly had a similar resolution before them at their October 24t' meeting. I welcome any council members that would like to co-sponsor this Resolution with me. Your consideration is appreciated.