Porton Harbor advisory board approves tariff review, rate study and multiple repair contracts

The Porton Harbor Advisory Board on Feb. 11 voted to recommend a tariff review and a rate study to the Skagway Assembly and approved geotechnical and rock-repair contracts for port infrastructure work.

Board members approved a $14,900 tariff review by the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE) and a $30,300 rate study by Northern Economics, both recommended to the Assembly. The board also approved a Shannon & Wilson geotechnical support services contract for $125,207 and a rock-scaling and lower attenuator repair proposal from Rock Supremacy (approved as presented; proposal contains multiple line items and crane support additions discussed during the meeting).

Why it matters: The tariff review and rate study will guide how the port updates fees and compares regionally; the geotechnical contract and rock-scaling work are immediate responses to slope stability and hardware damage at the harbor after a November slide. Those engineering and repair decisions involve near-term expenditures and longer-term maintenance obligations for the port.

Key votes and next steps: The board voted unanimously on each motion. All four items will be forwarded to the Skagway Assembly for final approval where required by borough procurement rules. Port staff said the Rock Supremacy contractor would mobilize in March if the Assembly approves funding and the logistics are arranged.

Board comments: Assemblymember Hanson, who moved the tariff-review motion, said he was impressed with the IAMPE lead consultant’s background and that a professional review was “always great to double check where we stand.” Port Director Jennings noted the Shannon & Wilson contract is likely to be an ongoing annual budget item while site monitoring and mitigation continue.

Votes at a glance: - Tariff review and recommendations to International Association of Maritime and Port Executives — motion moved by Assemblymember Hanson; second by an unidentified board member; outcome: recommend to Assembly; vote: 3–0 (ayes). Amount: $14,900. - Northern Economics rate study — motion moved by an unidentified board member; seconded; outcome: recommend to Assembly; vote: 3–0 (ayes). Amount: $30,300. - Shannon & Wilson geotechnical support services proposal — motion moved and seconded; outcome: recommend to Assembly; vote: 3–0 (ayes). Amount: $125,207. - Rock Supremacy safety scaling and lower attenuator repair proposal — motion moved and seconded; outcome: recommend to Assembly (proposal approved as written); vote: 3–0 (ayes). The board discussed an amount not-to-exceed figure ($438,325), later referenced crane support and a larger total near $534,760 and an aggregate estimate near $550,000; the motion forwarded the vendor’s written proposal rather than a single amended not-to-exceed number.

No formal ordinances or statutory changes were enacted at the meeting; the items above are recommendations or contract approvals that move to the Assembly or are subject to procurement processes.