September 15, 2012
Saturday PM

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the School District have been working cooperatively over the past year to make Esther Shea Field handicapped accessible. A contract has been awarded to install a paved driveway and four handicapped accessible parking spots on the east end of the field. A sidewalk is being installed along the southern edge of the field to connect the new parking spaces to the grandstand area. Construction is underway and the estimated completion date is the end of October 2012 (provided a paving contractor is available at that time to finish the project).

Improvements to the grandstands are included in the Borough’s FY2014 Legislative proposals.

The school maintenance bond package in front of the voters on October 2 includes funds to build a handicapped accessible bathroom and changing facility adjacent to the new parking area. Timing of these improvements is contingent upon passage of the bond proposition.

Passage of the bond proposal does not require an increase in taxes to service the debt. The Borough Assembly forward funded nearly all of the community’s portion of the bond proposal debt by placing the final Secure Rural Schools payment into the School Capital Improvement fund. As a result, the Borough School Bond Fund, which is supported by a ½ percent sales tax levy, remains healthy.

I believe the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the School District are committed to resolving the access issues at Esther Shea Field. The community's support for the FY2014 legislative proposal and the upcoming school bond proposal is needed to complete the effort.

Agnes Moran
Ward Cove, AK

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