Whereas, the shoal which is building at the entrance to the navigation channel for the Port of Anchorage has become an impediment to shipping, causing delays in the arrival of vessels and creating a safety hazard;

Whereas, cargo brought by sea to the Port of Anchorage is distributed to 80% of the people of Alaska by rail, truck, and air;

Whereas, bids for the dredging project exceed the money available to dredge the shoal;

Whereas, an additional $2.3 million in non-federal matching funds is needed to complete the necessary dredging to 1000 feet, which according to marine pilots in this region, is a critical safety improvement in the project; and

Whereas, the Port of Anchorage has committed $1.15 million of these matching funds and has requested the Alaska Legislature to appropriate the additional match to finance this project.

BE IT RESOLVED: The Anchorage Caucus considers the Cook Inlet Shoal dredging project to be a priority of the Caucus and supports the Port's funding request.

Done this 30th day of March, 1999.