|
 
In
December of 1963, the residents of the
Kenai Peninsula
voted to form the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The Borough consists of
three distinct geographic areas; 39% is the Cook Inlet, 33% is the
Kenai Peninsula and 28% is the West Side of the
Cook Inlet
. The State proposed these borders to provide the opportunity for
economic development in the newly formed Borough.
For over 45 years, borough residents have been inseparably
linked to the physical geography of land, air and water. Fishing,
hunting, trapping, and mining continue to be important as they
were before Statehood. Petro-chemical, tourism, government
services, and healthcare are more recent foundations of our
diverse economy.
As we entered this new millennium, the Kenai Peninsula
Borough is posed to assume the mantle of continued leadership in
the area of energy research, development and application. The
needs for the development of alternative energy sources and the
application of comprehensive energy efficiency methods will
strengthen the economic opportunities for residents and potential
new industry. We must use energy more efficiently and we must
consider the highest and best use for the finite sources from
which energy is produced.
Protection of water bodies and our dependence on all types
of fishing must be continually evaluated. Whether it is the
protection of the Cook Inlet Beluga whales or reasonable
allocation of salmon, cod or halibut, the Borough must be the
advocate for all those who depend on the bounty of our waters for
our livelihood.
Serving the public taxpayers and promoting jobs will
continue to be the top priorities of the Borough Administration. A
long-term sustainable gas supply and energy access for the entire
Kenai Peninsula Borough continues to be our top specific method
for ensuring jobs and economic opportunity for commerce and
residents.
Sincerely,
David R. Carey, Mayor
For anyone wishing to add a loved
one who is serving in the Military to the Red,
White &
Blue
Program, please send me an
email to dcarey@borough.kenai.ak.us,
and I will add them to our current mailing list.
|