HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution SignedCity and Borough of Sitka
Resolution No. 2012-20
A resolution of the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska authorizing
a grant application to the Alaska Renewable Energy Fund for funding
construction of the Blue Lake Hydroelectric Expansion Project.
WHEREAS, we are entering an era of increasingly scarce and increasingly expensive oil
over the next twenty years and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, Sitka is heavily dependent on oil for heating and transportation; and,
WHEREAS, due to high oil prices Sitka consumers are switching to the alternative of
electric heating which has fully utilized all of Sitka's existing hydroelectric energy supply;
and,
WHEREAS, the lack of hydroelectric generation capacity has resulted in the requirement
to operate expensive diesel generation to meet system demand; and,
WHEREAS, the lack of hydroelectric generation capacity has resulted in the loss of
economic development opportunities for the community of Sitka; and,
WHEREAS, to meet the growth in demand for electric energy Sitka is now developing the
expansion of its existing Blue Lake Hydroelectric Expansion Project to its maximum
capability and,
WHEREAS, completion of the Blue Lake Expansion Project will displace over 2 million
gallons of diesel fuel each year; and,
WHEREAS, the City and Borough has committed significant resources to develop the
Blue Lake Expansion Project; and,
WHEREAS, the City and Borough affirms the commitment to match all funds awarded
under this grant application; and,
WHEREAS, Sitka has received an amended license for the construction of the Project
from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); and,
WHEREAS, Sitka's economic future and its ability to provide reasonable cost renewable
energy for the community is contingent on the completion of the Blue Lake Expansion
Project.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Assembly of the City and Borough of
Sitka that Sitka is committed to reducing its dependence on oil and developing its
renewable energy resources; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Administrator is authorized to apply to the
Alaska Renewable Energy Fund for $4,000,000 to fund construction of the Blue Lake
Hydroelectric Expansion Project.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Assembly of the City and Borough of
Sitka, Alaska on this 20`h day of September, 2012.
Cheryl Westover, Mayor
Attest:
Colleen Ingman, MMC
Municipal Clerk