Community Discussion: Huna Totem’s Proposed 5th Cruise Dock Invites Input from Juneau Residents

Residents of Juneau, Alaska, are being invited to discuss the proposed construction of a fifth cruise ship dock by Huna Totem Corporation in the downtown area. The corporation and city officials will hold two joint meetings at City Hall next week, aiming to gather public feedback on the multimillion-dollar project, which could significantly impact the area and local tourism.

Juneau City Manager Katie Koester underscored the importance of public input, highlighting that community discussions are essential before any formal decisions are taken. She emphasized that such feedback will help shape the Assembly’s stance on the proposed lease agreements regarding the dock and any approvals needed.

Huna Totem Corporation, associated with the local Alaska Native community, submitted the proposal after acquiring a waterfront property near Juneau’s Coast Guard station from Norwegian Cruise Lines in 2022. The plan includes not only the dock but also a waterfront development known as Aak’w Landing, which will feature underground parking, retail spaces, and a cultural science center. The necessary permits were granted by the planning commission in 2023.

According to Russell Dick, Huna Totem’s president and CEO, this project would bring substantial advantages to both the Juneau community and Alaska Native peoples, transforming a currently underutilized lot into a more appealing space for residents.

The upcoming meetings are crucial as they occur prior to the Assembly’s vote on leasing city-owned tidelands to Huna Totem, a prerequisite for the project’s advancement. Koester anticipates that the Assembly will make a decision on the tideland leases within the year, while ensuring that residents have sufficient opportunities to express their opinions beforehand.

In addition to Huna Totem’s proposal, another cruise ship dock project is being explored in the Juneau region. In October, Goldbelt Incorporated partnered with Royal Caribbean Group to develop a new cruise port on the backside of Douglas Island. This proposal is currently in the design stage and is expected to undergo a permitting process.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.