Juneau harbor board considers $2.5M ADOT grant bids, insurance surcharge cut

Juneau moorage holders who carry no marine insurance could see their monthly surcharge drop from $1.50 to $1.00 per linear foot, and the city is pursuing up to $2.5 million in state construction grants for two harbor projects, following action by the Docks and Harbors Board on Thursday.

The surcharge cut is triggered by a rate-adjustment provision tied to collections versus disposal costs. In 2025, the Harbors Enterprise collected $114,107 in uninsured vessel surcharges while spending $77,082 to dispose of vessels, a gap that exceeded the threshold requiring a rate reduction.

On the grant side, the board recommended the CBJ Assembly approve resolutions supporting a $500,000 Alaska DOT application for float installation at the Echo Cove Launch Ramp and a $2 million application for improvements at Statter Harbor. Both grants require a 50 percent local match, meaning Juneau would commit roughly $1.25 million of its own funds alongside any awards. The Assembly is scheduled to act on the resolutions July 27.

Port Director Carl Uchytil told the board that Docks and Harbors has received close to $20 million in harbor facility grants since 2009; "The whole idea for this grant is to incentivize recapitalization of formerly State owned harbors."

The board also considered pursuing an Alaska Department of Natural Resources submerged land conveyance at Amalga Harbor to consolidate leases held by Douglas Island Pink and Chum, Inc. The nonprofit salmon hatchery currently holds two separate leases at the site totaling about $3,900 annually, both expiring in 2031.

In other business, the board reviewed a conditional use permit for a seasonal sculptural art installation at Tracy's King Crab Shack at 108 People's Wharf, with no objection provided the installation meets wind-load standards and does not block emergency vehicle access.