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This project constructs a new large vessel port on the north side of Homer’s existing Small Boat Harbor. A natural shelf and local source of rock makes construction of a port basin with 40-60 large vessel slips and secure homeport and layover accommodations for US Coast Guard assets feasible. Homer’s central, road-connected location, renowned marine tradesmen and ice free conditions make it an ideal location.

Among the properties that the Kenai Peninsula Borough owns is some land off Kachemak Drive in Homer, which is prime real estate for moose to hang out in -- and for storing fishing boats. It’s not as big a conflict as it might seem at first.

The last session of FOL's at Homer High School have come to a close & school's out for the summer. Congratulations to the four students who completed all seven classes. Grace Godfrey, Ethan Pitzman, Chad Morris and Riley Jones (not pictured).Special thanks to the following businesses and individuals who gave so much of their time to make these marine trade classes possible: Brad Conley - Bay Weld Boats, Patrick Lane - F/V Predator, Curtis Jackson - Bulletproof Nets, The United States Coast Guard, Ian Pitzman- Fortune Sea LLC, Peter Neaton - F/V Oracle, Isabelle Leopold - M/V Golden Alaska. And last but certainly not least, teacher Reba Temple for her enthusiasm to share her love of the sea.​From left: student Skyler Bond, Lucinda Martin Wells of Fargo Bank, student Grace Godfrey, Kate Mitchell of NOMAR, student Jonah Socha, FOL coordinator Reba Temple, and student Shyanne Sallee.

What's HMTA passionate about? Helping to create the next generation working in the Marine Trades. Meet Jessica Bouman, this year's $1000 HMTA Vocational Scholarship recipient. Jessica is a graduate of Homer High School and is a highly motivated individual who grew up in a self-employed family. She developed a passion for all things relating to machinery and took to welding in high school courses which she excelled in. She is enrolled at AVTEC for their 9 month Combination Welding Course and hopes to run her own mobile welding operation someday. HMTA hopes to make a difference in this individual’s life through our scholarship program. Way to go Jessica! Kate Mitchell, HMTA President, Jessica Bouman & Cinda Martin, HMTA Secretary

Congratulations to Kalen Molodih, the 2019 HMTA $1000 Scholarship winner. He is enrolled in the welding program at AVTEC for classes that begin this fall. Pictured are: Cinda Martin of Wells Fargo & our HMTA Scholarship Chair, Kalen Molodih, 2019 graduate Homer High & Scholarship winner, Mark Zeiset of South Central Radar and HMTA President Photo Credit: McKibben Jackinsky

Homer may have its toes in Kachemak Bay, but last week Homer Deputy Harbormaster Matt Clarke, the Homer Marine Trades Association and many of Homer’s marine-related businesses cast their eyes toward a larger world at the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, Washington.

The Goldbelt Seawolf, a 74 foot-long catamaran, launched from Homer this month headed for service in Southeast Alaska. Built by Bay Welding, The Goldbelt Seawolf is the largest vessel ever to be built in Homer.