ITEM TITLE:
Review and Formal Recommendation to the Valdez City Council in support of the Resolution to Rename the Valdez Container Terminal to the Ryan J. Sontag Valdez Container Terminal
SUBMITTED BY: Jeremy Talbott, Ports & Harbors Director on behalf of Honorable Bill Walker 11th Governor of Alaska
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Commission motion to approve the attached resolution recommending that the Valdez City Council formally rename the Valdez Container Terminal to the “Ryan J. Sontag Valdez Container Terminal”, and a recommendation for Valdez City Council adoption.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The purpose of this agenda item is to present to the Ports and Harbor Commission a draft resolution for review, discussion, and formal recommendation to the Valdez City Council regarding the proposed renaming of the Valdez Container Terminal in honor of the late Ryan J. Sontag.
Following a formal request by former Alaska Governor Bill Walker, family, and strong public support, this resolution recognizes Mr. Sontag’s lifelong contributions to the Port of Valdez, the maritime industry, and the community at large. The resolution proposes that the facility be officially renamed the Ryan J. Sontag Valdez Container Terminal.
Mr. Sontag’s maritime career spanned over 40 years, including critical work in post-earthquake reconstruction, Trans-Alaska Pipeline construction, the Exxon Valdez oil spill response, and three decades of service with North Star Terminal & Stevedore Company at the container terminal itself.
Additionally, Mr. Sontag served on the Valdez Transportation Commission and City Council, exemplifying commitment to both maritime operations and civic leadership.
This item seeks Commission approval of the accompanying resolution, and a formal recommendation to forward the resolution to the Valdez City Council for official adoption.