ITEM TITLE:
Approve a Recommendation to City Council for Purchase of 120 Acres of UAA Land Located Along Mineral Creek Road, Identified as Portions of USS 698 and USS 687.
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nylund - Senior Planner/GIS Technician
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: $186,000
Unencumbered Balance: $186,000
Funding Source: Land Development Reserve Fund #350-8000-5500
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a Recommendation to City Council to Purchase of 120 Acres of UAA Land Located Along Mineral Creek Road, Identified as Portions of USS 698 and USS 687.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The City of Valdez has recently been made aware of the University of Alaska’s desire to sell some of their property within the boundaries of Valdez. The 120 acres that the City is looking to purchase consists of two adjacent parcels located alongside Mineral Creek, north of the main Valdez town site (see attached map). A significant portion of the City of Valdez’s Mineral Creek ski trails are located on these parcels. The City has maintained a land use permit with UAA for the use and maintenance of these trails since 1993. This is a 5 year permit, with a cost of $500 per renewal. This arrangement is at the pleasure of UAA, and may be cancelled at any time.
The purchase of this property, and the continued maintenance and use of these trails is consistent with the City of Valdez Comprehensive Plan’s overall goal - to create an atmosphere that will encourage stable economic development in Valdez while enhancing the quality of life. Improvements should be made to all elements that give the community its’ character. This would include enhancing the economic productivity and diversification of the region to assure continued economic prosperity; providing for public safety and the economic welfare of the community when siting future industrial, commercial, residential, and public land uses; enhancing the scenic beauty, uniqueness and historic significance of the Valdez area.
The purchase of this land is also consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s goal - Community Facilities and Services: Provide for the maximum range of community services and facilities in appropriate locations consistent with the community's desire and ability to fund these.