Alaska Sea Grant Program Assessment

I had a chance this week to participate in a national program evaluation for Alaska Sea Grant. This is an evaluation conducted every five years to gauge the effectiveness of this program in Alaska and the impact it has had in our communities. Issues I addressed with the Program Assessment Team (PAT) were centered on operation of Alaska ports and harbor. A copy of the poster prepared for the assessment can be seen to the left and I have included a link to it as a PDF file.

Operation of Alaska Ports and Harbors Poster

To quote Sea Grant, "Alaska's ports and harbors are at the nexus of the state's diverse maritime industry. The people who manage our ports and harbors face daunting challenges such as building, maintaining, and expanding facilities; preparing for natural hazards; managing user behavior; training and managing staff; and staying abreast of regulations."

Efforts I have been involved in with the Alaska Sea Grant College Program include:

• Publication of Northern Harbors and Small Ports: Operation and Maintenance
• Development of a Responsible Boater's Handbook on clean and safe boating
• Assistance with the donation of the City of Valdez's 60-ton Marine Travelift to Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
• Harbor and marina employee online training that utilizes many Alaska Sea Grant publications
• Involvement with the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators

If you have a chance, visit the Alaska Sea Grant Program website and find out more about this great organization. I hope the PAT sees the merits of this group and wholeheartedly support them.

Tags: Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Ports and Harbors

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