Anchor Point may study construction of harbor to boost local economy

by The Associated Press

Residents of Anchor Point are exploring the possibility of constructing a harbor to help boost the local economy.

Backers of the project say a harbor would make it much easier to launch boats at Cook Inlet. The area’s economy is heavily dependent on recreation, tourism and fishing.

“From the chamber’s perspective and from a business perspective, a harbor here would be of just critical importance,” said Tom Clark, chairman of the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce. “Anything you can do to improve the infrastructure is very important to business.”

The Kenai Peninsula Borough clerk’s office certified a petition in March that would create a service area, allowing backers of the harbor proposal to partner with the borough government.

Residents and businesses in the service area could be taxed to fund a feasibility study. The establishment of a service area would also allow the borough to seek grants for the study.

Borough mayor Dale Bagley estimates the cost of the study at about $1 million.

A public hearing on the harbor proposal is scheduled for May 8.