Anchorage Assembly weighs AT&T port lease options that could run to 2041

The Anchorage Assembly will consider a measure Sept. 15 that could keep AT&T Alaska's parking and storage yard at the Don Young Port of Alaska in place through 2041.

Ordinance AO 2026-117 lets Alascom, Inc., doing business as AT&T Alaska, exercise a second five-year renewal on the 1.2-acre site, about 52,272 square feet next to 505 East Bluff Drive. That renewal runs from April 22, 2026, through April 21, 2031. The measure also adds two more five-year options, extending the lease to April 21, 2041. The current renewal term began in April, ahead of Assembly action. AT&T pays for utilities and maintenance on the site.

Rent is set at $65,339 a year, or $326,695 over five years. That figure covers only the term through 2031. Rents for the later renewal options have not been set.

The lease dates back to 2011, with a first renewal signed in 2021. Municipal code treats a renewal after the initial term as a new lease, and disposals of land interests require an ordinance. Deputy Port Director Cheryl Beckham prepared the measure, and the administration recommends approval.

Port Director Terry Amatam described the deal to the Assembly's infrastructure committee Aug. 20: "That's basically a lease agreement with AT&T, adds 2 additional 5-year renewal options, potentially extending the lease through 2041."