The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly accepted state funding at their last regular meeting on Dec. 3 that will enable the completion of projects under the 2024/2025 State of Alaska Community Assistance Program.
Ordinance 2024-19-21, passed unanimously by the assembly members present at the meeting, accepts and appropriates $410,514, minus a 2% administrative fee to be charged against the state grant, that will be used for public projects in the 26 eligible unincorporated communities within the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Funds will be distributed evenly to nonprofit or tribal entities on behalf of the eligible communities to ensure that the program funds will be used for public purpose. Twenty-four of the 26 communities have been designated to receive $15,789, minus the administrative fee. Nanwalek and Nikolaevsk are the two exceptions.
Borough Mayor Peter Micciche “will return program funds to the State of Alaska for the communities of Nanwalek and Nikolaevsk before June 30, 2025, if no qualified entity assumes the fiduciary role on behalf of these communities,” the ordinance states.
Seven organizations in Anchor Point are set to receive approximately $2,211 from the program: the Anchor Kings Wrestling Club, for scholarships for wrestlers; the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce, for community services; the Anchor Point Food Pantry for food and utilities; the Anchor Point Public Library and the Anchor Point Senior Citizens Center each for general operations; the Anchor Point VFW for community outreach services; and Snomads for parking and trail improvements.
In Diamond Ridge, the Homer Cycling Club will receive approximately $2,579 for trailhead parking. The Homer Trails Alliance will receive the same for trail projects; the Kachemak Emergency Services Member Association for response equipment; the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club for Nordic ski trail maintenance; the Kachemak Ski Club for Watermelon Trail parking maintenance; and Snomads for parking lot improvements.
In Fritz Creek, the KESA Member Association will receive approximately $3,869 for response equipment; the same for the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club for McNeil Ski Trail maintenance; McNeil Canyon Elementary School Community Council for McNeil Canyon trails enhancement; and Snomads for trail grooming.
The village of Kachemak-Selo will receive $15,479 for village street lights and road repairs.
In Ninilchik, the Ninilchik Library will receive $12,479 for library operations and the Kenai Peninsula Fair Association will receive $3,000 for facility repairs.
The Native Village of Port Graham will receive $15,479 for emergency preparedness.
The Village of Razdolna, Inc. will receive $15,479 for community projects and repairs.
The Seldovia Village Tribe will receive $15,479 for emergency response supplies.
The Vosnesenka Community Council, Inc. will receive $15,479 for Stroyka Building completion and repairs.
In Bear Creek, Bear Creek Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services will receive $5,479 for response equipment, and the Seward Nordic Ski Club will receive $10,000 for ski trails equipment.
For Cohoe, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula will receive $10,239 for youth programming and MUSKEG Wellness will receive $5,239 for wellness workshops.
The Cooper Landing Community Club will receive $15,479 to support local community programs and provide visitor guides.
In Crown Point, the Moose Pass Volunteer Fire Department will receive $15,479 for general operations.
The Funny River Community Association will receive $15,479 for operations.
For Hope, Hope Inc. will receive $15,479 for Hope Sunrise community services.
Eight organizations in Kalifornsky Beach will each receive approximately $1,934 — Bridges/Kenai Local Food Connection for nutritional services; CARTS for general operations; Kenai Peninsula Animal Lovers Rescue for general operations; Kenai Peninsula Food Bank for general operations; Love, INC for general operations; Pathways Re-entry Center for recovery services; Peninsula Spay & Neuter Fund for a voucher program; and Tsalteshi Trails for trails management.
In Kasilof, the BackCountry Horsemen of Alaska will receive $3,000 for trails maintenance. The Kasilof Cohoe Cemetery Association will receive $6,239 for Spruce Grove Cemetery maintenance, and the Kasilof Regional Historical Association the same for museum operations.
The Lowell Point Community Council will receive $15,479 for community services and fire department support.
The Moose Pass Chamber of Commerce will receive $15,479 for community support programs and services.
In Nikiski, five organizations will each receive $3,095 — Love, INC – Kenai Peninsula Shelter of Hope for general operations; the Nikiski Community Council for community services; the Nikiski Senior Center for community programs; North Road Pioneers for a preservation project and general operations; and North Star United Methodist Church for their food pantry.
Representing Primrose, the Moose Pass Volunteer Fire Department will receive $15,479 for operating expenses and medical supplies.
For Ridgeway, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula will receive $15,479 for staffing and supplies.
In Sterling, the Sterling Area Seniors Center and the Sterling Community Center will each receive $7,739 for general operations.
The Boys and Girls Club of Tyonek will receive $15,479 for youth services and general operations.
According to the ordinance, each eligible nonprofit or tribal entity representing an unincorporated community must enter into a grant agreement with the borough prior to receipt of any community assistance program funds. Additionally, if the community has not fulfilled the intent and purpose of its grant agreement, they will forfeit any remaining grant distribution at the end of two consecutive fiscal years.
Assembly member Tyson Cox was absent from the Dec. 3 meeting. Assembly member Brent Johnson abstained from voting in order to avoid conflict of interest due to his status as president of Kasilof Regional Historical Association, one of the nonprofit entities that received funds through Ordinance 2024-19-21, though he also stated that he would gain no financial benefit from the passing of the ordinance.
The ordinance was passed as part of the consent agenda; no discussion was held or public comment given on Ordinance 2024-19-21.
Find the ordinance and related memorandums in full online at kpb.legistar.com.
