M E M O R A N D U M

To: Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Members

From: Jack Brown, Assembly Member

Date: October 25, 1999

Subject: Resolution 99-081, Requesting the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities provide a written operating plan for closing the Nikiski station

This resolution is proposed because of increasing concerns that the State of Alaska is not adequately planning to provide service to the area formerly served by the Nikiski station. As discussed in the resolution hundreds of people live and work in the affected area and it is appropriate that the State provide adequate assurance that it is properly planning for transition to the Soldotna station. Elected state officials and I have informally requested copies of this plan from the State but have not yet received any written plan. Winter is rapidly approaching and driving conditions will become extremely hazardous if the state does not fulfill its duty to properly maintain these roads.

Already we are seeing signs that the new level of maintenance may not be adequate given the closure of the Nikiski station. For example, I was recently forced off the state road and in to a ditch when a car coming the opposite direction swerved into my lane to avoid a large pothole in the road. Although I recognize that the state can not instantaneously fill all potholes, this pothole had been there for quite some time. I urge the Assembly to adopt this resolution in order to show the State how important proper planning for this transition is to the Kenai Peninsula Borough.