Members of the community gathered at the Kenai Senior Center to witness the signing of the Kenai Bluff Stabilization Project with the Department of The Army for the Administration and Construction.
Governor Mike Dunleavy was present for the signed, and shared a large amount of gratitude with members of the Kenai Peninsula.
“Sometimes they say government moves slowly, but 60 years is kinda slow,” joked Dunleavy.
“I wanna thank all the people in this room and those that have passed on… I wanna thank the legislator for assisting with this as well, and anyone and everyone that planned over the years to have this happen.”
Members from different generations of the Kenai City Council were also invited to share in these momentous occasion.
After introductions for all the members that made this event possible, it was time to sign the agreement.
Once it was signed, the crowd cheered with glee, celebrating that the first step was finally over.
Mayor Brian Gabriel describes the signing as the Kenai winning a bronze metal, but still had a bit of steps to take before they could officially “get the gold.”
“This is the the bronze medal part of the ceremony when we get to the ground breaking that. Be the the, the silver medal and that obviously when it’s finished the gold medal, the dedication. So first up, I’m very excited. Yes, yes. Next well the gold you know that’s you know that means it’s done and we’re doing what we thought we would be doing protecting the and and hopefully we’ll see the effects of what what what the project.”
Jeff Palazzini, the District Commander for the Alaska District Core of Engineers gleamed with pride, knowing that this task, was going to help the community for the better.
“When we get an opportunity on these coastal erosion projects to help the city protect infrastructure, protect important city structures and something like this Senior Center, it it means a lot to our employees, the the folks that work for the Army. To be part of a really meaningful project like that. So it’s a big day for us for sure!”
“And so maintaining that momentum and that focus and and overcoming some of the adversity along the way, but so like I think that was probably the biggest challenge. So the hardest part now deciding the hardest part is done.”
As for Senator Jesse Bjorkman, he shares a great level of excitement as his fellow Kenai residents, knowing that this project is essential to protecting property along the waterfront.
“So I’m excited to see the project move forward and really secure the value in this great property that the city of Kenai has, as well as many other private property owners too along the river. It allows for more opportunities for economic expansion development in the area. And which we should really be seen hopefully a revitalization of our waterfront here in the city of Kenai.”