The Coast Guard is giving Homer a building that needs a new roof

The Coast Guard is handing Homer a building it no longer needs, and asking the city to give something up in exchange.

The service built the cutter support building on Pioneer Dock in 1998 for the crews of the cutter Naushon. It decommissioned the Naushon, and the federal lease expires Aug. 31. Its request asks the city to take the building and berth-related improvements, "abandoned in place."

The Kenai Peninsula Borough assesses the improvements at $635,400 and the land at $183,300. City staff who walked through in August 2025 found the building sound and in good condition but "not turnkey," needing roof and exterior work, interior repairs, new flooring and ceiling, paint, a boiler evaluation and electrical upgrades. No cost estimate has been finalized.

Homer would also drop a demand. The city had asked the Coast Guard to remove the sewer, water, communication and electrical lines running to the dock, which served the Naushon and cannot be reused. The service wants that request withdrawn in return for the building, and says insisting would delay any action by about a year.

The Port and Harbor Advisory Commission recommended accepting it unanimously in June. A commissioner asked whether the city has plans for that part of the spit and was told there are none.

The Coast Guard is not leaving Homer. The council approved a new Pioneer Dock lease in July, on the consent agenda without discussion.

The council held the public hearing and second reading Aug. 24. No opposing position appears in the record.