HomeMy WebLinkAboutHomer tidal cover letter 20094noi
Clty of Homer
an City Manager
491 East PYoneer A venue
Homer, Alaska 99603
907-235-8121, X-2222
1'ax: (907) 235-3148 E-mail- wwrede@ci.homer.ak.its Web Site: www.ci.homer.ak.us
November 6, 2009
Alaska Energy Authority
813 West Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
To Whom It May Concern:
Attached is the City of Homer's proposal to conduct a reconnaissance/feasibility/conceptual design study of
the tidal energy potential in Kachemak Bay in response to AEA's Renewable Energy Fund Round III grant
program.
The City of Homer Climate Action Plan, adopted in December 2007, states that "the City of Homer will
research, develop and utilize renewable/alternative energy." Ocean currents are mentioned in the plan as a
potential source of power generation. This proposal is a direct outcome of the City's implementation of that
plan and is submitted to you with strong support from the community and collaborating organizations
including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
Seldovia Village Tribe, the City of Seldovia, and Port Graham Village Council. We are grateful to NOAA and
to Ocean Renewable Power Co., Terrasond, and Re Vision Consulting for providing technical expertise in the
preparation of this application.
As you know, the City of Homer submitted an application for essentially the same project one year ago and
was approved for funding by AEA in the second tier of projects submitted to the Legislature. Unfortunately,
the Legislature did not appropriate sufficient funds to allow our proposed project to move forward. However,
enthusiasm for the Kachemak Bay tidal power project has remained high and discussions with potential
partners have continued over the past year. Strong support for the projectcan be seen in the 56% cost share
pledged in this application.
Tidal power holds enormous potential for reducing human dependence on fossil fuels, especially in far
northern latitudes, and a successful project in Kachemak Bay would make an important contribution to
Alaska's emerging leadership in renewable energy initiatives. We hope very much to be able to work with
AEA on the proposed project. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this
application.
Sincerely,
CI OF HONE
It rede
City Manager