Council approves Rasmuson grant for Kenai Bronze Bear sculpture at airport

The Kenai City Council on Sept. 17 enacted Ordinance No. 3486-2025 to accept and appropriate a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation for the Kenai Bronze Bear family sculpture project at the Kenai Municipal Airport.

Mary Bondurant, a project representative, told the council the sculpture effort has raised roughly $200,000 through a combination of sponsorships and donations and that two cub bronze sculptures are near completion. “With the Rasmussen grant, we will be entering a contract for the mama bear,” Bondurant said, adding the sculptures are scheduled for transport from Utah to Kenai in mid-October with an unveiling at the airport later that month.

Paul Ostrander, a Rasmuson Foundation board member, described the foundation’s selection process and confirmed the foundation’s support. “They came through with a $25,000 donation,” Ostrander said. He and other council members praised committee members and donors for fundraising work.

Council members disclosed local affiliations with the project during deliberations; the presiding mayor determined disclosures did not require recusal because council members reported no personal financial gain. The ordinance passed by unanimous roll call; the council recorded six yes votes.

Project organizers said remaining fundraising will cover donor recognition signage, lighting and a recognition board; Bondurant said donations of $100 or more would receive placement on a recognition display at the airport terminal. Organizers also said an 8-foot construction fence will surround the staging area during installation and that the airport commission supports the placement.

The ordinance text does not list contract terms or the grant’s exact appropriation into a specific city line item; the council’s action accepted the foundation grant and authorized appropriation as part of the project.