Summary: A lot of docks and harbors work has happened in the last decade and a lot more is going to continue. Some projects on the horizon include development of the Archipelago Lot, renovating Aurora Harbor and possibly a new float at Amalga Harbor.
12:50 p.m.
So far $15 million of work has been done at Aurora Harbor, and Uchytil said about $7 million of work is remaining, but only about $2 million is remaining for the project.
Uchytil said he’s hopeful an Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities grant could help plug some of that shortfall.
The next project being discussed is the expansion of the North Douglas Launch Ramp.
“We think that if things fall our way, we could working with Kensington Mine, have access to a lot of clean waste rock,” Uchytil said.
Amalga Harbor and its possible fish cleaning float came up.
“The board is still deciding what to do,” Uchytil said.
Tech problems brought the presentation to an end, but that led directly into questions and answers.
Uchytil was asked where the next cruise ship float will go.
“There are no plans for any more large cruise ship docks,” Uchytil said. “We’ve started a study for small cruise ships.”
Small in this case means 275 feet or less.
12:40 p.m.
The possibility of purchasing an Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority lot along the waterfront just came up.
Uchytil said he had to be sold on the idea, but has come around on it.
“Just having the city own the waterfront is a good thing,” Uchytil said.
[City may make sale on waterfront property]
12:30 p.m.
The talk’s focus has turned to tourism.
“Almost every day you can read an op-ed or letter to the editor about tourism, about what is our carrying capacity,” Uchytil said.
He said improvements made to the waterfront, including work in 2017 that pushed cruise ships further from shore, have improved foot traffic flow and traffic on the water.
“There’s still more improvements that can be made along the waterfront that will mitigate these large cruise ship days,” Uchytil said.
He said that thinking is what led to development on the Archipelago Lot.
The City and Borough of Juneau’s plans for waterfront improvements at the Archipelago Lot. (Courtesy Photo | City and Borough of Juneau)
12:20 p.m.
“As a port director, you’re kind of only as good as you’re next project,” Uchytil joked.
But he will be showing slides pertaining to Docks & Harbors projects along the waterfront over the past 10 years.
Uchytil said spending has been pretty even on docks and harbors since 2011. Harbors spending totaled $65.5 million since 2011 compared to $65 million for docks.
“If someone tells you the city only spends money downtown on cruise ship docks, it’s not true,” he said.
12:15 p.m.
Introductions are out of the way and Uchytil’s portion of the luncheon at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall is about to begin.
Noon
Today, City and Borough of Juneau Port Director Carl Uchytil will speak to the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce.
Some recent CBJ Docks & Harbors news that may come up today: Plans for a fish cleaning float at Amalga Harbor, Infrastructure Week and maybe dock electrification.
Read more about the Amalga proposal here: [They don’t want fish guts and bears in their back yards]
