[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6475575,"mediaKeyId","5732813-fdbcc2d4991cd28bb67cb3bd27b725dd","parentId",5732813,"title","Juneau officials outline phased flood-mitigation choices, funding sources and buyout option for vulnerable neighborhoods","audioSeconds",2333,"startMs",434000,"endMs",2767000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5732813-fdbcc2d4991cd28bb67cb3bd27b725dd&start=434&end=2767","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5732813-fdbcc2d4991cd28bb67cb3bd27b725dd/thumbnail_434000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475575/Juneau-City-and-Borough/Alaska/Juneau-officials-outline-phased-flood-mitigation-choices-funding-sources-and-buyout-option-for-vulnerable-neighborhoods","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475575-218944ac0b274db358eb624f699dd7d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775630249&Signature=J4FsXRzE~xFf9ZS0ckYR5-TbL~ao7x1B3Gt~R3fotbUeRMU5svpFXl2uB15WzZoBEeesgtOXSKA4VvaPUYT6pxzYLIhx3k~rDefRC4v9oYwT5uYL8d0~I7nVT1zldRK5SNU~IziqOn3yVcrNhl79k9iH9xxtebuCKkv81mN9ofC~Fl6TXkQ1Y2hQi2-rpPCsE-ujqAc1T9Oqa1SHlmxNUHJeodCkFIR8PxtWmF1VRyfeHxHMm68At9twFWrfLw7HvGIPxm6ofaG5AR29CBlkdpNzg-IQotGT1CHWB~fXpxjF~dirq2PbLNBKwg0hEiu8S0GI~XJKfBmCjlUUF8zqOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Juneau City and Borough","date","2025-09-09T01:57:41Z","article","City Manager Kester told the Juneau City and Borough Assembly Committee of the Whole the purpose of the staff memo was to frame the decisions the assembly will face ahead of the 2026 flood season and to request policy guidance rather than votes.

Kester said the Phase 1 local improvement district (LID) project is complete from a construction standpoint but remains to be “put a bow on” through certification of the assessment rule, which would allow property owners to seek exemptions or adjustments. “You also have an opportunity to adjust the amount of that LID payment. It just can't be more than $6,300,” Kester said, referencing the maximum amount shown in earlier notices.

Kester noted the city received $880,000 in outside funding for Phase 1 (transcript wording: “Click it in Haida was able to bring $880,000”) and that the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has offered a 50% forgivable loan for construction-eligible elements of that work. Kester said those outside funds could be used to offset general-fund expenditures or reduce property-owner assessments.

Nut graf: The assembly spent most of the session asking for more engineering detail, clearer cost estimates and legal options for dividing cost responsibility between residential and commercial property owners. Staff repeatedly cautioned that Phase 2 — which would require armoring — is much more expensive and needs better cost estimates before the assembly can make decisions about assessments, special tax districts, or other financing.

Phase 2 uncertainty and questions for staff

Kester described a rough order-of-magnitude cost estimate for Phase 2 armoring as about $17–19 million and said staff has not yet developed the detailed cost model the assembly will need. “We have not spent the time that we need to get you even better ballpark number, and that is an absolute number that you are gonna need before you make any decisions,” Kester said.

Staff framed the key choices as: what inundation level to design for (for example, 18 or 20 feet), how much of the riverbank to armor, whether assessments should use a methodology like Phase 1 or a different approach for commercial properties, and whether the city should create a special tax district or other financing mechanism.

Assembly members asked for:

- A clearer breakdown of residential versus commercial tax base and how assessment methodologies would differ;
- A realistic timeline and procedural steps if a special-tax district and a special election would be required; and
- More visualizations and science briefings (Kester proposed a special committee session with the scientists conducting the hydrology and risk work).

Kester said Congressman Begich had secured a $3.2 million appropriation request that could be directed to Phase 2 but that the funding was not yet final. Kester added the Army Corps of Engineers is engaged on longer-term solutions and is exploring whether armoring or HESCO barrier support would be eligible under Corps programs.

Recurring and maintenance costs

Kester stressed that LIDs are intended for capital projects, not for ongoing maintenance. “The city attorney has said that LIDs are a mechanism for capital projects, not for maintenance,” Kester said. The city did set aside roughly $500,000 for a property-restoration fund (for things such as removing a damaged deck and restoring a property), but dedicated maintenance budgets and staffing models remain unresolved. Kester suggested the assembly consider at least a part-time or 0.5 FTE engineering position focused year-round on flood matters.

Buyout option for Butte/View Drive

Kester said staff is working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a potential voluntary buyout program for the peninsula of homes on Butte (View) Drive and that NRCS will be invited to a special committee meeting tentatively scheduled for Oct. 13. Under current assumptions Kester described, NRCS would fund about 75% and the local share about 25%, but the precise program rules (including which parcels must participate for eligibility, how the purchase price is set, and whether a partner other than the city can provide the nonfederal share) remain to be determined by NRCS.

“I think an aerial image really helps show how difficult that is,” Kester said, describing the peninsula geometry and the need to consider demolition, conversion to parkland, and whether nonprofit partners could assume long-term ownership.

Assembly members pressed staff on how many homeowners want a buyout (Kester said two households had expressed clear interest so far), how NRCS sets purchase prices (staff described appraised value options and said the city and NRCS still needed to clarify whether the program uses pre-disaster or post-disaster appraisals), and whether a partial buyout could proceed if some neighbors decline participation (staff said eligibility rules are a question for NRCS).

Actions and direction

Mayor Weldon moved that staff be directed to prepare an ordinance to redirect $5,000,000 in matching funds for the Capitol Civic Center toward flood mitigation, with $1,000,000 allocated for maintenance and $4,000,000 for Phase 2 work. The mayor spoke in favor, saying the immediate flood need justified the reallocation. The chair stated “Any objections? Seeing none, that is so moved,” and staff recorded the motion as directed for ordinance development.

Discussion versus decision

Staff repeatedly emphasized this session was informational and about defining the additional data and analyses the assembly needs. Formal decisions were limited to directing staff to draft ordinances and return with more detailed cost, timeline and legal analyses. Kester listed a number of specific homework items for staff, including: refined Phase 2 cost estimates, assessment-methodology options that separate residential and commercial contributions, timelines for special-election processes if a special tax district is considered, and NRCS participation details for a buyout program.

Ending: next steps

Kester said she would bring additional detail back to the assembly, including maps, visualizations, and technical briefings from consultants and federal partners. The assembly asked staff to schedule a special committee meeting focused on flood science and buyouts and asked for more detailed financial scenarios, including potential implications of the borough’s 12-mill cap on property-tax–based service-area financing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 8, 2025 Assembly Committee of the Whole Worksession","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Kester presented a process memo laying out remaining actions for Phase 1 LID certification, the higher costs and choices in Phase 2 armoring, and a potential NRCS buyout for Butte (View) Drive; assembly members requested more engineering detail and funding scenarios.","taxTitle","Juneau City and Borough, Alaska","taxId",13703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475566,"City updates assembly on Seawalk priorities, seawall condition assessments and shore-power planning; funding options discussed",918,5552000,6470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5732813-fdbcc2d4991cd28bb67cb3bd27b725dd&start=5552&end=6470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5732813-fdbcc2d4991cd28bb67cb3bd27b725dd/thumbnail_5552000.jpg","/articles/6475566/Juneau-City-and-Borough/Alaska/City-updates-assembly-on-Seawalk-priorities-seawall-condition-assessments-and-shore-power-planning-funding-options-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475566-ede0a89be8a8d8087c081ed526f40158/orig.mp4?Expires=1775630249&Signature=BjKVluC1mqyeSwAgLmwLeNxYzWAM8tiWTUQEQKtZEKEFN6RJgR0bVy-6xoiPqEhTScaF4~mOpnxWwOGXvzh9vxsLwkcVJAO1cCUAbXYsJUpN5FV3ORq~w4sG03z8brRcTsvKAZQjnqdGeQdNGIN6Gew-eavtEdK3KKgUd-Z6BY1OkJYHG6Z7dPGTlQtB6kDU6N2N-LdC-n2E7Eo8tBJlTb7yTYHtFFBa33Fasv7V9dFhwRvivaKxVdyggsN8hD4dEvIcpw~5aqu-6mqmZ3LYOCbicV0DwUBEhlDW~UR7m-3BPqKTycD-Bd4~g8tK5z2TMv-6Sg-qENEv13kbNQAqlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Docks and Harbors and waterfront staff provided an informational briefing on multiple waterfront capital projects and potential funding approaches. Staff stressed that the discussion was preparatory and that projects would require later funding decisions.

Miss Pierce said the Franklin-to-AJ Seawalk alignment remains a priority and that private land ownership and easement issues are the primary challenge for connecting segments. The last cost estimate for the Franklin-to-AJ alignment was about $20 million, Pierce said, and staff noted $7.4 million currently exists in the CWOC CIP.

Pierce also described a proposed Auk Landing-to-Gold Creek Seawalk alignment and a possible inland alignment near the Coast Guard right-of-way to address safety concerns. She said the city has not started design on the Auk Landing–Gold Creek segment and recommended engaging engineers now to take advantage of concurrent development activity.

Seawall condition assessment and shore power

Pierce said Docks and Harbors has funded a condition assessment of seawall structures near the Alaska Steamship Dock and that assessment work could uncover expensive replacement needs once completed. Separately, the borough’s shore-power CIP carries a planning-level figure of about $55 million (staff noted $13 million in a related CIP line — the memo and discussion indicated varying figures depending on scope).

Pierce described an existing memorandum of agreement with AEL&P for shore-power design; AEL&P has contracted to produce 35% design work. She warned that a key long-lead procurement item — a transformer — can be costly and slow to deliver: “The one we purchased for the Franklin Dock ... cost $3,000,000 and had a lead time of 28 months.”

Funding and debt instruments

Pierce emphasized the city is considering revenue-backed debt using marine passenger fees or dockage fees rather than general-obligation bonds for some waterfront projects. She said staff will bring prioritization and funding scenarios back to the assembly as design and condition-assessment work advances.

Assembly questions and next steps

Assembly members asked about the magnitude and sequencing of projects, the use of marine passenger fees versus dockage fees for revenue bonds, and whether long-lead items could be procured ahead of final design to reduce schedule risk. Pierce and finance staff said they would return with estimates, prioritization scenarios and options for financing, including potential federal or state grants and private partnerships.

Ending: staff asked for any firm opinions or priorities from the assembly and said they would proceed with further design, condition assessment and funding-option development as projects move toward construction.","Staff briefed the assembly on multiple waterfront capital projects — Franklin-to-AJ Seawalk alignment, Auk Landing–Gold Creek alignment, seawall condition assessments and shore-power design — and said marine passenger fees or dockage fees are being considered for debt financing; staff recommended continuing design work to increase fundability.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475571,"Assembly sends Burns Building purchase ordinance to full assembly and directs design work for interior remodel",1616,2894000,4510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5732813-fdbcc2d4991cd28bb67cb3bd27b725dd&start=2894&end=4510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5732813-fdbcc2d4991cd28bb67cb3bd27b725dd/thumbnail_2894000.jpg","/articles/6475571/Juneau-City-and-Borough/Alaska/Assembly-sends-Burns-Building-purchase-ordinance-to-full-assembly-and-directs-design-work-for-interior-remodel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475571-c509ea3d52cdf5086d3066c9f1cf36ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1775630249&Signature=fOg-O6yu3GJ35wRxoyOsIeONL4lo2sKMmj3NDGL1lfh-L6ZTyJ1EMxcUXctTW88VCU5XL0DKsS3DyuZE3MbUNe0YsJcKMJNQGq0fFAHhcQ96Syvp7Kph-Vtpwm~-SZHIaY5T8me82lzGM2C5tKU-zrrtDr9blfeRIKThMvs3uXDCYalV2JwfWrIiNpmf8os7cNckSHUxljHRPprFtr1erd0b7I-XeNgNBFLehLn4dlzotW2GI357CH3kAr8KQah~ibUoUiUe9P8RsULJ9jVsfV8l5obF8J4q1vgyjpDgn6S7cLKTSY6YbmTJtPzSSzzaPP1S9xoEGWPI6lO822QfyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Kester presented the staff memo and timeline for acquiring two floors of the Burns Building and associated parking. Kester said the purchase price under current negotiations is $9,300,000 plus a $2,700,000 sinking-fund contribution; she summarized expected renovation costs ranging from a minimal-move option to a full interior remodel.

Kester described the full interior remodel estimate as $7.6 million (carpet, paint, furniture, cubicles and move costs) and said that initial earlier estimates for a lighter renovation had been significantly lower. “The kind of full interior remodel is at $7,600,000,” Kester said.

Nut graf: After more than three years of options and public discussion about a purpose-built city hall versus leasing or renovation, the committee voted to send ordinance 2025-39 (the Burns Building purchase) to the full assembly and separately directed the manager to proceed with design work for a full remodel while also returning cost estimates for a nonreversed layout.

Key issues and votes

Assembly members discussed pros and cons including long-term service life, downtown location preference, deferred maintenance at the existing Marine View building, and the higher renovation cost estimates staff presented. Several members said owning and consolidating office space would provide operational efficiencies and predictable condo association maintenance funding compared with scattered leased offices.

A motion by Mayor Weldon to move ordinance 2025-39 to the assembly passed on roll call 6–2. The roll call as read by the clerk recorded: Madam mayor: Yes; Miss Adkisson: No; Mister Kelly: Yes; Miss Hughes Gandy: Yes; Miss Hall: Yes; Mister Steininger: No; Mister Bridal: Yes; Madam chair: Yes. The clerk announced the motion passed by a 6–2 vote.

Design direction and unanimous consent

Assembly member Hall moved to direct the city manager to begin design on option 3 (full interior remodel) and asked for unanimous consent. Assembly members objected and requested that staff return with more detailed estimates for both reversed and nonreversed layouts. Mayor Weldon offered an amendment to that effect. The amendment to include both layouts was agreed to without objection. With the amendment in place, the committee asked for objections to the revised motion; none were raised and the chair declared the directive so moved.

Kester said staff will return with refined designs and more detailed cost estimates and invited assembly members to visit the Burns Building and other facilities to inform their judgment. She noted that the city currently has roughly $14.6 million in city-hall CIP funds available and that a purchase price of $12 million would still leave follow-up decisions about appropriation and renovation scope.

Ending: next steps

Staff was directed to proceed with design work for option 3 and to bring detailed cost estimates for both reversed and nonreversed floor-plan options to a future committee meeting. The ordinance to purchase the Burns Building will be scheduled for full assembly consideration.","The committee moved ordinance 2025-39 (purchase of two floors of the Burns Building) to the assembly (6–2). The assembly also directed the city manager to begin design for a full interior remodel (option 3), and asked for more detailed cost estimates for both reversed and nonreversed layouts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Juneau officials outline phased flood-mitigation choices, funding sources and buyout option for vulnerable neighborhoods

City updates assembly on Seawalk priorities, seawall condition assessments and shore-power planning; funding options discussed

Assembly sends Burns Building purchase ordinance to full assembly and directs design work for interior remodel