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Eureka approves MOU with Blue Lake Rancheria to pursue DOT grant for Dock B feasibility
Summary
The council approved an MOU with Blue Lake Rancheria to collaborate on a US DOT rural and tribal grant application for planning and feasibility work at Dock B, a city-owned Foreign Trade Zone; staff said the MOU will support a Sept. 8 grant deadline and potentially lead to future agreements if feasibility is demonstrated.
The Eureka City Council on Sept. 2 approved a memorandum of understanding with Blue Lake Rancheria to collaborate on planning, design and feasibility studies for Dock B, a city-owned berth the staff described as part of the city27s Foreign Trade Zone.
Sierra Emery, director of strategic initiatives for Blue Lake Rancheria, told council the tribe seeks DOT Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program funds for early planning tasks such as feasibility analyses, market studies, legal and environmental work necessary to position a potential maritime commerce project. Emery said the MOU signals both parties27 willingness to collaborate to make a competitive grant application.
City staff said Dock B is condemned and in poor repair but that pilings remain; the MOU would support short-term work to determine whether a sustainable port-related option exists and could lead to a disposition and development agreement between the tribe and city if feasibility studies support it. Staff noted the DOT grant targets pre-construction planning costs rather than construction.
Councilmember Fernandez moved to approve the MOU; the motion was seconded and carried with 4 yes votes (one councilmember absent). Staff said the grant application targeted an early September submittal and that the MOU was a prerequisite for a competitive application.
The action authorizes staff to continue collaborating on grant preparation and early planning work; any subsequent agreements or construction proposals would return to council for review.
