Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc.
Supporting Alaska's Energy Infrastructure
Protecting the natural wonder of Southcentral Alaska
You might not notice Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc. (CISPRI). Yet they are here, day and night, working behind the scenes with Alaska’s oil and gas producers to safeguard the Cook Inlet region. Why would you have overlooked these silent protectors? The answer is in their name. Prevention.
“Safety is our number one priority. We ensure our safety culture is intact, healthy and focused at all times.”
Todd Paxton | General Manager | CISPRI
Safeguarding Alaska
On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of oil in the Gulf of Alaska, resulting in one of the most significant environmental disasters in U.S. history. A little more than a year later, federal legislation fundamentally changed how the U.S. prevents and responds to oil spills. That’s when the Cook Inlet region’s oil and gas producers joined forces and created CISPRI.
As Southcentral Alaska’s experts on spill prevention and response, CISPRI personnel train year-round to maintain the highest level of preparedness. They conduct scenario drills throughout the region, receive instruction at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward, and train at a 15,000-gallon test tank in Nikiski. The test tank’s ability to mimic real-world conditions is essential to helping CISPRI maintain the level of preparedness required by its member organizations, which includes all the companies currently producing, refining, or transporting hydrocarbon products in the Cook Inlet region.
“We can put oil on top of water in a controlled, safe environment,” said CISPRI General Manager Todd Paxton about the test tank. Paxton considers this tank CISPRI’s second-greatest asset. The first is their employees. “They understand, respect and believe in our safety culture so we can go home each and every day after working in, at times, a very dynamic environment,” said Paxton.
Oil and gas producers in the Cook Inlet region provide CISPRI with the necessary funding to ensure it can help them meet industry standards for spill prevention and preparedness. “They are exceptional partners, and their financial contributions ensure our high state of preparedness,” said Paxton. As far as he can remember, they have never told him “no” when CISPRI needed something to help meet their mission. “We are all mission-driven, not profit-driven.”
CISPRI has been banking with First National Bank Alaska since its inception in 1990. More than 30 years later, the organization still recognizes and appreciates the value of the bank’s local experts who are invested in their success.
Deputy Branch Administration Director and Vice President Tim Redder is excited about the bank’s relationship with CISPRI. “Their mission is critically important to the safety of the community, the local economy, and the protection of Alaska’s natural resources.”
In 2007, First National provided financing to help CISPRI purchase the Perseverance, a 207-foot vessel capable of towing 30,000-pound anchor sets. In 2020, First National again helped when CISPRI bought an 80,000-barrel-capacity barge, the Redoubt, located in Kachemak Bay. As its largest capacity barge, the Redoubt helps CISPRI meet federal requirements and is prepared for the unexpected now and into the future.
“We saw an opportunity to secure a very capable resource for the long term, and once we reached out and spoke to Tim, it was a fairly seamless process,” explained Paxton.
Local support, local success
Community partnerships increase CISPRI’s ability to respond to an oil spill should one occur. Close affiliations with the Alaska SeaLife Center and International Bird Rescue ensure fast support for local wildlife. CISPRI also owns and operates a Sea Otter Rehabilitation Center in Seldovia, Alaska.
“We are local. Like every Alaskan, we love and value our pristine environment, and part of our job is to keep it that way,” Paxton explained. “We take that seriously.”
CISPRI’s Protection - by the numbers*
- 43 local employees
- Two large-crewed vessels
- Five large barges for temporary oil storage
- 20-25 small vessels and skiffs
- The Perseverance, CISPRI’s largest ship, is a 207-foot anchor handler capable of towing and handling 30,000-pound anchor sets
- $12 million annual budget, funded 100% by member organizations
- Ready 24/7, 365 days a year, to clean up to 50,000 barrels of oil within 72 hours
* SOURCE: CISPRI
One Solution
Comprehensive services to shape your tomorrow
Financial support for Alaska’s energy infrastructure
When Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc. (CISPRI) needed financial expertise, First National Bank Alaska offered The One Solution – an integrated financial services approach that streamlines lending needs and provides comprehensive deposit and treasury operations backed by a local team of experienced banking experts.
First National is proud to support the work CISPRI has done for more than 30 years to ensure the safety of the Cook Inlet.
“As the economy has gone up and down over the last few decades, some banks have come and gone, but First National never wavered. They are stable. The same good folks are there each and every day. If I called right now, they would do whatever they needed to help me,” said CISPRI General Manager Todd Paxton.
With the support of its member organizations, the local community and First National, CISPRI has successfully safeguarded Alaska’s natural resources and the nation’s energy infrastructure in Southcentral Alaska.
Commercial lending
First National was able to provide customized financing CISPRI needed to expand its fleet and ensure the continued protection of the Cook Inlet. Whether growing a business or looking for operational efficiencies, First National’s local experts provide lending solutions to help meet the unique needs of Alaska businesses.
Local support
In addition to financing new vessels, CISPRI relies on First National for business banking solutions for its day-to-day operations. “Whether it’s payroll or bank accounts, we’ve had really good support and service,” said Paxton.
With 28 locations around the state, First National employees draw on their knowledge of the community and the financial backing of the state’s largest locally owned and operated bank to help Alaskans succeed.
ACH services
CISPRI simplified its payment processing and reduced the fraud risk associated with writing paper checks by using ONEpay, First National’s ACH service. “About every two weeks, I used to get a stack of checks to review and sign. Now, we securely pay invoices electronically as much as possible. Handing that over to First National has been fantastic because they are so responsive and great to work with,” said Paxton.
Corporate credit card
First National’s Corporate Mastercard® credit card gives CISPRI’s employees purchasing flexibility by allowing them to curate card use for specific purposes like travel, equipment or training – all while maintaining the ability to track where and how corporate cards are used.
Fraud prevention services
Armed with more than a century of experience, First National is here to help protect Alaska businesses. Ask your local banker about our business fraud prevention tools.
- ACH Fraud Prevention
- ACH Block
- Positive Pay
- Check Block
Personally invested in Alaska
Deputy Branch Administration Director Tim Redder
NMLS #1898999
With 20 years of banking experience, Deputy Branch Administration Director and Vice President Tim Redder empowers his teams to help Alaska businesses meet their goals. For Redder, providing loans and banking services to help CISPRI complete its mission is a win-win. Enjoying camping and other outdoor activities with his family throughout Southcentral Alaska, Redder is personally invested in the same natural wonders CISPRI aims to protect.
“I’m proud to provide financial services to an organization that safeguards Kenai and the entire Cook Inlet,” Redder said.