Ports and Harbor board backs letter asking borough to use raw-fish-tax funds for $60,000 safety upgrades

Ports and Harbor staff asked the advisory board on Jan. 13 to request that borough raw-fish-tax funds be directed to essential harbor safety upgrades, including 75 life rings and boxes, 75 extinguisher cabinets with 10-pound extinguishers and 50 safety ladders, for an estimated total of $60,000.

The staff presentation explained the proposal is intended to be a specific, itemized request the borough can consider; "Total estimated cost for this upgrade is $60,000," the staff memo states. Staff and Mr. Wilson said the amount is well under the annual revenue typically generated by the borough's raw-fish tax and that the borough has previously indicated willingness to fund specific harbor projects rather than provide unrestricted grants.

A board member moved that the advisory board approve the edited letter and ask the mayor and council to present the proposal to the borough committee that oversees raw-fish-tax spending; another member seconded the motion. The chair called for a roll; several board members voiced support and the chair declared the motion carried.

Why it matters: Ports staff said the equipment is aimed at reducing response times and improving safety at harbor facilities. The board noted the item fits the fish-tax purpose and that approaching the borough with a narrowly scoped project increases the likelihood of funding.

What happens next: Staff said the letter will be taken to the city council and that council members on the corporate relations committee can present it to the borough. The board recorded the concurrence and directed staff to carry the item forward for council consideration.

The board considered the motion a recommendation to council; final funding decisions rest with the borough.