Whereas: The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT/PF), Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) have issued a draft environmental impact statement entitled South Extension of the Coastal Trail Draft Environmental Impact Statement, (DEIS) dated Nov. 11, 2002; and
Whereas: The subject DEIS has been released for public review and the comment period ends March 7, 2003; and
Whereas: The ADOT/PF, FHWA, and MOA preferred alternative, as identified in the DEIS, is the orange-modified route which follows the coastline of Turnagain Arm; and
Whereas: A member of the Huffman O'Malley Community Council (HOCC) Steering Committee officially reviewed the subject DEIS for the HOCC and presented a summary at the January 17, 2003, HOCC meeting; and
Whereas: All the alternatives could have some level of adverse impact on adjacent private property owners; and the coastal route alternatives could adversely affect the fish and wildlife resources inhabiting the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, and
Whereas: Numerous members of the community and entities have urged the HOCC to take a position on the project; and
Whereas: At the HOCC's meetings dated January 17, 2003, and February 20, 2003, the HOCC was provided information from individuals for and against the orange-modified route; and
Whereas: Members of the HOCC have heard many hours of presentations and discussed issues with members of the community and with advocates and opponents of the orange-modified route, and
Whereas: The HOCC was presented with seemingly feasible alternatives and ideas by Mr. Michael Jens which have merit and deserve to be considered and further investigated, and
Whereas: The HOCC advocates and supports continued planning and development of the south extension of the Coast Trail in a location that is as similar to the present Coastal Trail as practicable; therefore
Whereas: The HOCC believes that private property rights are highly important and that the involved agencies and courts will exercise due diligence in all eminent domain/reverse condemnation proceedings.
Now Therefore Be it Resolved: The HOCC enjoins the planning bodies to work diligently, and in concert with affected property owners, to explore and develop all feasible alternatives to mitigate impacts to private property rights.
Be it Further Resolved: The HOCC wants any chosen route to be designed in a manner which gives fair consideration of the trail's impacts on private property owners, fish and wildlife, hunters and other user groups, and the values and long-term interests of the community as a whole.
Respectfully submitted: February 20, 2003
Proposed By: Wayne M. Crayton
Seconded By: Melissa Schmiedt
Passed: February 20, 2003
Votes in favor: Eight
Votes against: One