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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-24 14-105 RESOLVECOUNCIL ACTION Item No. 14-105 Date: February 24, 2014 Item/Subject: Resolve, Pledging the City of Bangor's Support of the Searsport Dredging and Harbor Improvement Plan Responsible Department: , City Council Commentary: The purpose of this Resolve is to pledge the City of Bangor's support for this project and to affirm our commitment to economic development through trade and regional collaboration with our neighboring communities in Maine. The last major harbor project in Searsport was completed in 1964, which increased the depth of the channel to 35 feet. It is necessary to re -dredge the channel to a depth of 40 feet to accommodate today's larger ships. There is currently a proposal in the works for the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake this work. The Army Corps is accepting public comment, and if approved by the City Council, the text of this Resolve will be added to the other voices supporting this project. IVB, Manager's Comments: Associated Information: Resolve Budget Approval: Legal Approval: Introduced for X Passage First Reading Referral Department Head City Manager Finance Director City Solicitor Page _of_ AS AMENDED 1.4-105 FEBRUARY 24, 2014 Assigned to Councilor Nealley CITY OF BANGOR RESOLVE, Pledging the City of Bangor's Support of the Searsport Dredging and Harbor Improvement Plan By the City Council of the City of Bangor., Whereas, Searsport is an integral part of the transportation infrastructure of central and northern Maine. Its functioning has a direct bearing on the viability of Maine's rail network and the companies that use it for shipping their products to market; and Whereas, Maine is as large as the rest of New England and must safeguard its natural advantage of access by sea. Searsport provides Maine with a small but potentially highly efficient interface with global markets; and Whereas, Searsport will never rival larger ports along North America's east coast but it holds significant potential to further develop its unique role within Maine's economy;and Whereas, periodic dredging is routine maintenance for nearly all harbors. Portland's harbor is being dredged this year, just 12 years after its last dredge. Searsport hasn't been dredged in 50 years. Its project is small in -scope in comparison with dredging projects elsewhere; and Whereas, ships have grown in size over the past 50 years. Many now are double -bottomed for safety. Safety margins for bottom clearance have also increased. Some ships currently serving Searsport draw close to 35 feet, which is why Searsport needs a 40 ft. depth; and Whereas, top soils at the bottom of Searsport harbor have been deemed safe for removal and disposal elsewhere in Penobscot Bay. Sub -soils are primordial clay and pose no hazard. Ultimate disposal of any soils will depend on final determinations of exact composition; and Whereas, Maine cannot expect to survive in the increasingly competitive global economy on the basis of its service sector alone. It must produce tangible export products to offset its considerable imports and it should do so through its own seaports, airports, railroads and trucking firms; and IN CITY COUNCIL March 10, 2014 Motion made and seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Order 14-105 Amendment Passed Motion made and seconded for Passage as Amended Motion Doubted Vote: 8-1 Councilors Voting Yes: Baldacci, Civiello,--'Durgin, Gallant, Graham, Nealley, Plourde, Sprague Councilors Voting No: Blanchette assed CftY CLERK 14-105 FEBRUARY 24, 2014 Whereas, Maine needs opportunities to increase jobs and incomes for its citizens, especially for its younger generations; and Whereas, the City of Bangor fully respects the public permitting process. Now Therefore, Be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of Bangor that, As long as the dredging can be done in a manner respectful of reasonable environmental concerns and the local economies; the City of Bangor fully endorses and supports such a project as it may have an important and positive impact on the economy of eastern and central Maine. Be it further Resolved that, This Resolve will be distributed to the appropriate parties adding the City's support to this important project. 14-105 t, FEBRUARY 24, 2014 Assigned to Councilor Nealley CITY OF BANGOR RESOLVE, Pledging the City of Bangor's Support of the Searsport Dredging and Harbor Improvement Plan By the City Council of the City of Bangor.• Whereas, Historically the economy of Bangor has been based on trade. Today the City of ' Bangor finds itself at the intersection of several major trade routes including those up and down the East Coast of the United States, west to Montreal and the St. Lawrence Waterway, and across the Atlantic to Europe, South America, and beyond; and Whereas, The Port of Searsport is a key economic asset for not just the coast of Maine but inland areas like Bangor as well. Having a strong and thriving port nearby is crucial to the City of Bangor's own economic development in the coming years; and Whereas, The last major harbor project in Searsport was completed in 1964, which increased the depth of the channel to 35 feet. It is necessary to re -dredge the channel to a depth of 40 feet to accommodate today's larger ships. There is currently a proposal in the works for the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake this work. Now Therefore, Be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of Bangor that, the City Council hereby pledges its support for the Searsport Dredging and Harbor Improvement Plan and affirms the City's commitment to economic development through trade and regional colaboration with our neighboring communities in Maine; and Be it further Resolved that, This Resolve will be distriburted to the appropriate parties adding the City's support to this important project. IN CITY COUNCIL February 24, 2014 Motion made and seconded to Postpone to the next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting and to refer to the Business & Economic Development Committee Meeting to be held prior to the next City Council Meeting. P s to ;P7;ontnd Refer City Clerk IN CITY COUNCIL March 10, 2014 Motion made and seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Order 14-105 Amendment Passed Motion made and seconded for Passage as Amended Motion Doubted Vote: 8-1 Councilors Voting Yes: Baldacci, Civiello, Durgin, Gallant, Graham, Nealley, Plourde, Sprague Councilors Voting No: Blanchette a � ` CITY tLERK