Assembly approves easement allowing private property owners to stabilize eroding Russian River banks

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on April 17 approved Resolution FY2025-22 authorizing the disposal by easement of borough land adjacent to the Russian River to allow private property owners to perform riverbank stabilization work. The assembly voted 6-0 in favor.

The borough owns land (USS 2539 Lot 1 Remainder, Women's Bay in Bells Flats) through which the Russian River flows. Property owners near 522 Lita Street and Russian Creek reported imminent erosion that threatened private parcels. Manager Amy Williams explained the easement would enable property owners to get the permits they need to stabilize riverbanks: "They absolutely will [need permits]. They can't even begin getting those permits until the easement is given."

Resident Andrew Finke, who said the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the easement unanimously, urged the assembly to grant it. "This is one of the last things that we have to do before we can start getting permits to repair the river bank on Russian River on technically borough land that's almost ready to wash away," Finke said during public comment. He told the assembly the work is necessary to prevent loss of private property to ongoing erosion.

Staff said the easement would be granted at less than fair market value with no cost to the affected property owners because of the emergency nature of the erosion; property owners will remain responsible for all work conducted on borough land under the recorded agreement. The recommended easement area extends roughly 75 feet from the current riverbank in the affected parcel; staff emphasized the area is largely already eroded.

The assembly noted the action would protect borough interests while enabling immediate stabilizing work by private owners, and several members said the parcel in question is not developable due to access limitations. The resolution passed unanimously 6-0.