Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2025-72KENAI CITY OF KENAI RESOLUTION NO. 2025-72 Sponsored by: Askin and Grieme A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA DESIGNATE BY PROCLAMATION THE AREA OF THE UPPER COOK INLET EAST SIDE SET NET FISHERY AS AN AREA IMPACTED BY AN ECONOMIC DISASTER IN 2025 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, in 2025, the East Side Setnet fishery's very limited harvest and fishing opportunities resulted in an approximate 82% loss of traditional harvest; and, WHEREAS, the dramatic 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, a Governor's 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 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 2025 Upper Cook Inlet East Side Set Net Fishery loss of harvest as an 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. 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 Dunleavey. New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] Resolution No. 2025-72 Page 2 of 2 Section 5. That a copy of this Resolution will be provided to State Senator Jesse Bjorkman and State Senator Gary Stevens, State Representative Bill Elam, 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, T 17T" DAY F D MBER, 2025. New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] OV KINAI City of Kenai 1 210 Fidalgo Ave, Kenai, AK 99611-7794 1907.283.75351 www.kenai.city MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Gabriel and Council Members FROM: Victoria Askin, Council Member DATE: December 10, 2025 SUBJECT: Resolution 2025-72 East Side Set Net Economic Disaster Declaration This Resolution requests the Governor proclaim a local economic disaster for the area affected by the almost complete closure of the East Side Net Fishery in 2025 resulting in an approximate 82 percent reduction in traditional harvest by the fishery. Your consideration is appreciated.