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Vote yes for Proposition One
By Marty West

 

August 10, 2005
Wednesday


To the Editor:

I support Proposition One to fund the proposed dock expansion. Studies, funded by cruise ship passenger fees instituted in 2003, have been comprehensive and exhaustive.

The T-Pier was challenged and eliminated as unsafe due to winds and tides; a South End extension became less appealing due to interference with the cannery and traffic congestion at the Deermont intersection; the North End alternative also has drawbacks but the Council selected this option for several compelling reasons.

This alternative is designed to lessen congestion downtown, fund upland development (sidewalks, utilities, traffic flow), benefit businesses outside the downtown core, and increase the number of cruise ships able to dock.

An additional impact will be increased activity in the Newtown area. Careful planning will preserve the character of the neighborhood and provide for upgrades in the commercial area. There will also be a very positive economic impact with good jobs created during the project construction.

Yes, tourists can be annoying as they wander through traffic and yes, there are a crazy number of jewelry stores downtown but increased tourist traffic relates to increased sales taxes. This steady flow of sales tax has meant no property tax increases.

These bonds will be paid through cruise ship passenger revenues, not property tax. I urge you to vote yes for Proposition One.

Marty West
Ketchikan, AK - USA

 

On the Web:

 Ketchikan Port Berth Expansion Bond Initiative

Ketchikan Port Berth
Expansion Bond Initiative

 Ketchikan Port Berth Expansion Bond Initiative

Vote August 16, 2005

 The City of Ketchikan is proposing to expand and improve facilities along the waterfront to provide enhanced public use and additional economic benefit to residents, business owners, and the City. A bond initiative will be placed on the August 16, 2005 ballot to gain approval for up to $70 million to fund the project. - More... Port Expansion Project Information

 

 

 

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