Chiniak residents urge Kodiak Island Borough to explore alternatives to a proposed $750,000 water project

A Chiniak resident told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on Sept. 18 that the community should form a plan and consider alternatives before moving forward with a proposed $750,000 capital water project.

Monique Lewis, calling in during citizen comments, said the discussion during a prior work session focused too quickly on a large capital expense and should instead include a committee-produced packet outlining options, testing requirements and possible partnerships. Lewis said the advisory Chiniak school board, the Kodiak Island Borough school board and the borough had agreed to form a committee to work on solutions and she suggested the committee prepare a presentation for the assembly before any capital request is placed on a regular-meeting agenda.

"Looking ahead to a $750,000 capital project that may not even be necessary and delaying a decision until that project is funded ... demonstrates that only a little bit of the issue is being given focus or consideration," Lewis said. She urged exploring alternatives such as forming a service district, partnering with organizations that install public water systems, and coordinating testing with those partners rather than immediately pursuing the large capital outlay.

Lewis noted that applying for public-water-system status will require testing that is likely more expensive than current testing and suggested the committee include an assembly member as an advisor so the packet is presented in a decision-ready format. She also asked that the committee meet and prepare materials to present before formal action on spending is considered.

Assembly member Jared Griffin later said he supported discussions about an assembly advisor or seat on the committee to help Chiniak organize and present recommendations to the borough.

Why it matters: decisions about water systems affect school operations, public health testing requirements, capital budgets and potential long-term service arrangements. Lewis emphasized community-led planning and said she would not bring a plan that asks the assembly to approve a $750,000 capital project.

Ending: The borough manager had indicated via email that she would try to place the water-item on a future regular meeting agenda; committee work and a presentation to the assembly were suggested as the next steps.