Assembly reviews Juneau's marine passenger fee budget and infrastructure upgrades

The Juneau City and Borough Assembly Finance Committee meeting on April 6, 2025, focused on the marine passenger fees and various capital investment projects. The meeting was slightly delayed but proceeded with a review of the passenger fee budget, which is required by ordinance to be made available for public review after assembly committee discussions.

Director Pierce presented the budget, noting that it contained no surprising elements. Key items included funding for shore power and seawall improvements, which may require significant financial decisions in the future. The budget also allocated funds for dock safety cameras due to previous vandalism incidents and infrastructure upgrades for wastewater services catering to cruise ships.

The assembly discussed the aging seawall around city-owned docks, emphasizing the need for an engineering inspection to determine necessary repairs. Additionally, the Marine Park project, which has been in planning for years, is set to receive funding to complete its development. A covered bus stop at Mendenhall Loop Road was also proposed to accommodate the high volume of cruise ship passengers.

Concerns were raised about the increased waste generated by cruise ship tourism, particularly regarding the new restrooms at Statter Harbour. The assembly acknowledged that while there is no direct accounting for this increase in waste, the budget does consider the impact of the visitor industry on city services.

The discussion also touched on the ongoing costs associated with the public Wi-Fi system and the security cameras, with assurances that maintenance costs would be manageable. The assembly members expressed interest in potentially increasing funding for shore power and seawall projects in light of inflation and upcoming infrastructure developments.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the assembly's commitment to addressing the needs of both residents and visitors while navigating budget constraints. The next steps involve further discussions on capital projects and the potential for revenue bonding as the assembly continues to refine its budgetary priorities.