Anchorage staff pitch crane use ordinance that would let Matson own Port cranes while preserving limited municipal access

Municipal staff told the Assembly Infrastructure Enterprise and Utility Oversight Committee of the Whole on June 12 that the crane-use agreement with Matson — an ordinance scheduled for introduction and public hearing on June 24 — would let Matson own and operate container cranes at the rebuilt Port of Alaska while preserving limited noncommercial and transient municipal access.

Becky Winpearson, municipal manager, said the construction contract for the Port has already been approved but the crane purchase agreement remains on hold while Matson decides whether to repurpose existing cranes or buy new ones. "The only thing in front of you right now is the crane use agreement," Winpearson said. "We have language that both parties are comfortable with, and that is what is going to come to you for introduction on the 06/24 meeting."

The draft use agreement, Winpearson and John Daly of the Port of Alaska said, reserves operational flexibility for the municipality in two broad categories: noncommercial uses tied to defense and emergency response, and limited…