HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. R18-18A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ON THE CITY OF
LAUREL'S BEHALF REGARDING THE DRAFT YELLOWSTONE RIVER RECREATION
PROJECT PRIORITY PLAN.
WHEREAS, the Natural Resource Damage Program is currently accepting comments
regarding the Draft Yellowstone River Recreation Project Priority Plan which has been published for
public comment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Laurel submitted proposed projects for consideration which are
currently contained within the Project Plan with proposed funding for the plans; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the City of Laurel's Mayor to prepare and submit comments
on the Draft Yellowstone River Recreation Project Priority Plan on the City's behalf.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel, Montana,
that the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to submit comments on the City's behalf to the
Natural Resource Damage Program regarding the Draft Yellowstone River Recreation Project Priority
Plan.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council on April 17, 2018, by Council Member
Sparks
2018.
PASSED and APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel this 17t1i day of April,
APPROVED by the Mayor this 17t11 day of April, 2018.
CITY OF LAUREL
Thomas C. Nelson, Mayor
Sam Painter, Civil City Attorney
R18-18 Authorize City Comments to the Draft Yellowstone River Recreation Project Priority Plan
CITY FALL
115 W. Ist.St.
PUB WORKS: 628-4796 k-Aty of Laurel
PWD FAX: 628-2241
WATER OFFICE: 628-7431 P.O. Box
WTR FAX: 628-2289 Laurel, Montanaa
59044
MAYOR: 628-8456
April 17, 2018
Natural Resource Damage Program
PO Box 201425
Helena, MT 59620-1425
DEPARTMENT
Re: City of Laurel's Comments regarding the Draft Yellowstone River Recreation Project
Priority Plan
To the Natural Resource Damage Program:
Please accept this letter as the City of Laurel's Comments regarding the Yellowstone
River Draft Recreation Project Priority Plan. In addition to this letter, please find the enclosed
City Council Resolution authorizing the submission of the same. Initially, I would like to
express the City's gratitude for all the members' time, effort and work ranking the projects that
had applied for funds derived from the settlement entered into by ExxonMobil for the 2011 oil
spill that occurred in the Yellowstone River, near Laurel, Montana. The oil spill had a
substantial negative impact on the City of Laurel and its residents, and I and the City Council,
appreciate the sincere efforts to restore the recreation opportunities that were lost as a
consequence of the oil spill in 2011.
In regard to the Committee's proposed rankings, the City of Laurel has no objection to
them as provided on Table 3 of the Draft Yellowstone River Recreation Project Priority Plan.
However, the City is disappointed that the Committee's recommendation is to reduce the
Riverside Park Campground & Boat Ramp's $400,000 request to $350,000. While the City
understands not all projects can be fully funded, it is unfortunate that the project the City
considers the highest priority is the one project selected for a $50,000 reduction.
On behalf of the City, I would suggest rather than reducing the City's Riverside Park
Campground & Boat Ramp Project by $50,000, the entire list of projects be reduced
proportionately if the intention is to fund all the projects. That way, the City will not be left
scrambling to come up with the $50,000 to fully support the project. Frankly, the City of
Laurel's financial condition has not improved since we are still recovering from the substantial
damages caused by the 2011 Yellowstone River Flood. In the event that one or more of the
City's supported projects are reduced by an amount or amounts equaling a total of $50,000, the
City would ask that it have these funds reimbursed should there be an amount up to the $50,000
left unused at the term of project implementation.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Nelson
Mayor City of Laurel
City of Laurel is an EEO Employer
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