HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2019-018• Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
.� Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
IL (360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2019-191
File ID: AB2019-191 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 03/20/2019 Entered by: MEngels@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
First Assigned to: Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee
Agenda Date: 03/26/2019 Next Mtg. Date: Hearing Date:
Primary Contact Email: ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution in support of retaining the Alaska Marine Highway System between Bellingham and Alaska
destinations
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
See resolution
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
03/26/2019 Council Finance and Administrative RECOMMENDED FOR
Services Committee APPROVAL
03/26/2019 Council APPROVED
Attachments: Alaska Marine Highway Resolution.docx
Final Action: 03/26/2019
Enactment Date: 03/26/2019
Enactment #: RES 2019-018
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 312712019
PROPOSED BY: SIDHU
INTRODUCTION DATE: March 26, 2019
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-018
IN SUPPORT OF RETAINING THE ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM BETWEEN
BELLINGHAM AND ALASKA DESTINATIONS
WHEREAS, the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry has been the only marine link
between the contiguous 48 states and the State of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Bellingham has been the southern terminus of the Alaska
Marine Highway System (AMHS) since 1989; and
WHEREAS, the Port built the Bellingham Cruise Terminal for $10.3 million to handle
ferry traffic; and
WHEREAS, AMHS provides essential services to many coastal Alaskan communities
which have no surface highway access; and
WHEREAS, a large number of residents of coastal Alaskan communities use the
AMHS to access the healthcare and urgent medical services in Bellingham and Seattle while
air travel is either not available or prohibitively expensive; and
WHEREAS, the loss of AMHS will impact many regional and cultural events such as
SE Alaska State fair (Haines), Celebrations Juneau, and the Copper River Wild Salmon
Festival Cordova, by limiting the participation of residents in these coastal communities; and
WHEREAS, the loss of AMHS will limit the opportunities for students to attend and
compete in sporting events, leadership training and other school activities; and
WHEREAS, the loss of AMHS will result in less out of state tourism spending,
impacting the local small businesses; and
WHEREAS, the AMHS has the same importance as other interstate highway systems
in the lower 48 states for transportation and accessibility to other states and communities
for residents of coastal Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the AMHS supports numerous direct and indirect family wage jobs not
only in Bellingham but also in many coastal communities in Alaska; and
WHEREAS, small business owners of Alaska and Washington state will be affected
most by the loss of the AMHS to transport their goods and equipment to and from Alaska to
support business and commerce in Alaska and the Bellingham area; and.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council, on this
26th day of March, 2019, do hereby ask and authorize the Council Chair to write letters of
support on behalf of residents of Whatcom County to the Governor of the State of Alaska,
the Alaska State Assembly Speaker and the Alaska State Senate President for continuing
year-round AMHS services
APPR,�Q,VEQIII hiS�26th day of March , 2019.
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ATT':�
Dana„ B r d w ;� avjs, 'clerk of the Council
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
UNT-f COUNCIL
WHATC�MfCQUN WAS INGTON
Rud Brdwne, Council Chair