Correction to Whittier Boat Harbor article

To the Editor:

I'm writing to correct a few minor errors in the article “Whittier Small Boat Harbor study proposes 70 percent rate increase” in the last issue, April 1, about Northern Economics' harbor rate study, which was presented in Whittier on Saturday, March 20. The study was done to determine the rates needed for the design and associated cost developed by PND Engineers, Inc. in 2006.

Based on past rate plans that have been successful in other communities in the state, we proposed two large increases (35 percent each) in initial years, followed by increases close to the inflation rate thereafter. These increases are a critical part of acquiring funding, since most funding agencies require a plan for sustainable operations. It's also important to remember that the study developed initial rate recommendations and, contrary to the statement made in the article, the City of Whittier has not agreed to assume the harbor debt. Instead, the City is in the early stages of developing a funding plan and may opt to use revenue bonds rather than general obligation bonds. Revenue bonds would be tied to harbor operations, not the City as a whole.

Mike Fisher
Northern Economics, Inc.