ITEM TITLE:
Discussion Item: Purchase of Lot 3, Tract K - Mineral Creek Industrial Park to Secure Dedicated Snow Storage for the City of Valdez
SUBMITTED BY: John Witte, Public Works Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: n/a
Unencumbered Balance: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
RECOMMENDATION:
n/a
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
A 1,000-foot section of W. Egan Drive has no dedicated storage site beyond the existing narrow right of way, which could lead to longer haul times, delayed clearing, and increased equipment wear during heavy snow events.
Additional challenges include the increased volume of snow removed from residential driveways and side yards as well as the loss of unofficial storage through residential development. Existing neighborhood lots (Winter Park Circle, Aspen Circle, Birch Circle) are undersized and will require overflow to the W. Egan area multiple times each winter.
Purchasing Lot 3, Tract K - Mineral Creek Industrial Park will secure centralized, efficient snow storage, reduce the risk of operational bottlenecks, and strengthen the City’s future winter response.
Valdez receives over 300 inches of snow annually, creating the potential for significant snow storage challenges that could impact roadway safety and efficiency in the future.