Haines Borough Manager Mark Earnest this week said the next step in possible borough acquisition of Picture Point is to apply for a National Scenic Byways Program grant. However, no grants have been awarded under the program since 2009.

The program last allocated $41 million to 160 projects in 43 states for fiscal year 2009, according to an October 2009 news release posted at http://www.bywaysonline.org.

“We have been operating under a series of continuing resolutions since then, which means we’re operating with the funding levels of 2009,” said Cindi Ptak, program manager. “These continuing resolutions have been very short – two weeks here, 30 days there – and so we only get a percentage of the 2009 money, which is very tough on everybody.”

The money would be used for Picture Point and two scenic pullouts there that amount to about half of a five-acre waterfront strip Texas-based car dealer Roger Beasley purchased in October.

Real estate agent Jim Studley, who represents Beasley, said there is no firm timeline for selling the property.

“My instructions from Mr. Beasley are to work with the Haines Borough to help them with this purchase providing they wish to go forward with a purchase, which the (Haines Borough Assembly) appears to want to do,” Studley said.

The assembly has met in several executive sessions to discuss Picture Point.

“At some point in time there will have to be an end-game strategy if it appears the borough gets bogged down, but government works only so fast and never as fast as one would like, so a drop-dead timeline has not been established and patience is usually something necessary when dealing with any government entity,” Studley said.

The Haines Highway earned designation as a National Scenic Byway in 2009, and Picture Point has been targeted to serve as a “gateway” for the community.

Earnest said he has repeatedly checked the Scenic Byways website for information on 2011 funding through the Federal Highway Administration, but officials are unsure when new applications will be available.

“The program requires a 20 percent non-federal match, and the borough is looking to incorporate existing funding from the state as part of the land acquisition and sea walk development,” Earnest said. “…Just for the land acquisition and development costs, we’re estimating that at half a million dollars, so it would be $400,000 through the federal program and would require a $100,000 match.”

Grants for 2010 have not yet been announced. Ptak said applications currently are under review and “we’re not going to solicit for 2011 until we award 2010.”

She said once the application is posted, the solicitation period usually is around two months.

The February 2010 request for grant proposals invited “projects that integrate corridor management planning with larger transportation and community planning efforts that will improve mobility within and among byway communities; increase access to jobs, health and social services, tourism and educational opportunities; and projects that improve mobility by providing alternatives to vehicular travel along byways that enhance the visitor experience.”

“This project fits very well with the purpose and historic awards,” Earnest said.

He wouldn’t say whether the borough would continue to try buying the property without the scenic highway grant.

“Basically, our primary focus right now is to get the grant submitted as soon as the application period opens, and we’re working to generate the support for that,” Earnest said.