HomeMy WebLinkAbout200927-BCH-GrantCoverLetterBURRnv
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PO Box 796 * Skagway, Alaska 99840
September 27, 2020
Curtis W. Thayer, Executive Director
Alaska Energy Authority
813 West Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage Alaska 99503
Dear Mr. Thayer,
Burro Creek Holdings is pleased to submit our application for the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) grant. We were
encouraged by your letter accompanying the request for applications which stated that "....AEA appreciate(s) those who
dream big."
The Municipality of Skagway has undertaken a major port re -development planning process. On September 17, 2020,
the Municipal Assembly approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Skagway Borough and
Burro Creek Holdings LLC (BCH) to enter into discussion and review of options for integrating BCH power into plans for
Port of Skagway re -development and future port operations. Electrification of the dock with hook-ups for cruise ships,
vehicles and tour busses has been a high priority for the community and would result in a significant reduction in air
pollution during the busy summer visitor season.
Our vision is to collaborate with the Port of Skagway planning process to develop a Green Harbor Initiative which will
identify opportunities for a cleaner and more energy efficient port. Possibilities for a partnership between BCH and the
Municipality will be explored and evaluated for economic and environmental benefits. A business plan will be
articulated before moving to the design phase of the grant.
The REF grant could lay the groundwork for a legacy public/private partnership that would bring the latest innovative
technology to our busy port. Earlier this year, Burro Creek Holdings contracted with Elliott Bay Design Group naval
architects to develop the attached "high level" spec sheet for a small electric shuttle ferry that would be capable of
carrying vehicles. This vessel could be constructed in the Sitka or Ketchikan boatyards, creating local jobs, and could
meet the demand for vehicle traffic on the high volume Haines/Skagway route, thereby relieving some of the financial
strain on the Alaska Marine Highway. We include this spec sheet as an example of creative solutions that can be found
when abundant clean energy is available and communities and private enterprise work together.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this grant application.
Sincerely, n �)
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Jan Wren�t�-mo"rre,, Owner
Burro Creek Holdings, LLC