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