ITEM TITLE:
City Manager’s Report 4-19-2021
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Detter, City Manager
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and File.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On April 11th and 12th City Staff and the Mayor attended Senator Murkowski’s and AML’s Infrastructure Grant Symposium. Several Federal and State Agencies were at the Symposium. A few key points were raised from the symposium:
The State Revolving Loan for Water and Sewer projects received additional fund from the B for to provide loans to municipalities and tribal entities across the state. The terms of the loans continue to be attractive overall than the City of Valdez’s ability to issue debt. However, the State Revolving Loan is a viable opportunity if a Bond issue is not successfully ratified by voters.
The Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill will be a 5-year funding process. Strategically planning for projects, (such as projects featured in the Waterfront Master Plan is critical). Hiring a consultant to assist in identify specific funding programs will be crucial to developing these grant opportunities of a course time.
Lastly, regional opportunities in Alaska were emphasized, but not clearly defined.
Another tract we are taking applying for federal funds is directly working through out lobbyist the Capital Hill Group. Stratton Edward first Quarter Report on work for Valdez included:
January
Regularly scheduled calls occurred on January 3rd and 31st
• Updated infrastructure white paper for use in Congressional requests
February
Regularly scheduled call occurred on February 14th
• Provided updated white papers to Congressional delegation
• Held video meetings with Congressional staff on infrastructure priorities for upcoming round of earmarks
• Don Young Staff- Feb 17
• Dan Sullivan Staff-Feb 17
• Lisa Murkowski Staff- Feb 24
March
Regularly scheduled call took place on March 14th.
• Provided potential grant opportunities to City Manager, Public Works Director and Ports and Harbors Director
• Followed up with staff on infrastructure priorities conveyed in February meetings
• Developed list of media contacts for Alaska Congressional delegation for City Manager
• Drafted condolence letter and delivered electronic copy to House leadership
Stratton Edwards has submitted for earmark through Senator Murkowski for H-K Dock Replacement and the Sewer Force Main projects. The City of Valdez has asked for $5 million H-K Project and $10 Million for the Sewer Force Main.
Strategic Planning Retreat- July 23, 2022 look like a potential date for a Strategic Planning Retreat.
Title 17 RFP has been advertised and proposal are due early May.
A lease application for property along the highway will appear on the May 4th Agenda.