The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly unanimously approved funding during their Monday meeting for a new playground at Lund Street Park off Water Street downtown.
The total amount budgeted for the project is over $600,000. That includes $125,000 of federal money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant.
Borough Public Works Director Morgan Barry told the assembly this appropriation is the “bare minimum” request for construction. He said design of the playground and new covered picnic area should wrap up in the next few weeks. Construction will likely begin in the spring.
The Borough Assembly also held their annual organizational meeting on Monday. Newly elected members were sworn into office, including mayor Austin Otos and assembly members Rodney Dial and Dan Ortiz. Returning assemblymember Glen Thompson was sworn in, as well.
The Assembly also honored and said farewell to longtime member Alan Bailey, who served for a decade in total.
