Join the Conversation: Huna Totem’s Proposed 5th Cruise Dock in Juneau – Community Discussion Invitation

Residents of Juneau, Alaska, will have the chance to learn more about the Huna Totem Corporation’s plans to build a fifth cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau. Two joint meetings will be held at City Hall next week, offering the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal.

The topic of cruise ship tourism growth and its management has sparked considerable debate within the community. Juneau City Manager Katie Koester stressed the importance of public input, as the multimillion-dollar project may significantly transform the downtown area and the local tourism impact. She emphasized the need for discussions before any official decisions, suggesting that community feedback will be integral to the assembly’s choices regarding lease requirements and final approval.

The proposal for the new dock was submitted by Huna Totem Corporation in 2022, following their acquisition of waterfront property near Juneau’s USCG/Coast Guard station from Norwegian Cruise Line. Plans for the dock include a nearby waterfront development called Aak’w Landing, featuring underground parking, retail space, and a cultural and science center. The planning commission approved the necessary permits for both the dock and development in 2023.

Russell Dick, the president and CEO of Huna Totem, mentioned that the project will bring considerable benefits to the Juneau community and Alaska Native people. He highlighted the potential transformation of the currently unattractive gravel lot into a space that residents can take pride in.

The upcoming meetings will occur before the Assembly votes on leasing city-owned tidelands to Huna Totem, a crucial step for the project’s progression. Without these leases, the dock construction cannot proceed. Koester expects the Assembly to vote on the leases within the year, but is committed to ensuring ample opportunities for public input beforehand.

Koester noted that the meetings will allow for informal public feedback, which is essential for community engagement. She encouraged residents to participate and share their opinions.

Huna Totem’s proposed dock isn’t the only cruise ship facility in consideration for Juneau. In October, Goldbelt Incorporated partnered with Royal Caribbean Group to develop a new cruise port on Douglas Island’s backside, which is currently in the design phase and awaiting the permitting process.

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