The Kenai City Council enacted an ordinance Wednesday night increasing the estimated appropriations for the Kenai Bluff Erosion Capital Project Fund. These funds are to be used for the Kenai Bluff Stabilization Project.
Kenai City Manager Paul Osrtander explained;
“This ordinance appropriates $6.5 million that was included in the state’s capital budget this year, for inclusion into our Kenai bluff erosion capital project fund. So this $6.5 million coupled with $3.2 million that we received from the state from 2012-15 and also included in that is the $2.55 million that was committed plan last year; brings the total amount of money that the city has secured for our match at $12.25 million. We’re (City of Kenai) sitting really well with the $6.5 million in there being able to meet our timeline of construction bids going out the 3rd of April of next year and hopefully see construction on this starting next summer.”
In February of 2022, the project received federal funding in the amount of $28 million which covers 65% of the total cost of construction. Through the ordinance’s enaction, the City Manager is authorized to execute a grant in the amount of $6.5 million to support construction for the project. With this grant, the City secures the necessary funds to meet the required match of 35% so long as the project’s total cost, design and construction does not exceed $35 million.
Council Member Glenese Pettey stated;
“This project getting so close to putting rocks in the ground is a great milestone for our city and everyone that has had a part to plan this in the past, present and moving forward really enriches our city so that it will be even better for future generations.”
The ordinance was enacted without objection.