Harbor board backs Concept 7 for cruise-ship dock, forwards plan to assembly

The Petersburg Borough Harbor Board voted to send "Concept 7" for a proposed cruise-ship dock to the borough assembly for further action, endorsing a longer float design that American Cruise Line and harbor staff have preferred.

The board said the longer float is intended to let American Cruise Line vessels tie up both bow-to-north and bow-to-south, allow room for a fuel barge, reduce maneuvering risks identified by Coast Guard–experienced members, and provide space for borough use in the off-season. Harbor staff told the board that American Cruise Line has offered $3,000,000 toward construction and has applied separately to lease uplands if the borough declines a partnership.

"American Cruise Line has agreed to that one, as had, the manager and I and the staff," said Glo, the harbor master, describing the company's support for Concept 7. Glo also said the design includes a pump-out connection to the borough sewer and estimated that installing the pump-out separately would cost about $160,000.

Board members and local marine operators discussed operational details and tradeoffs. Supporters argued a borough partnership preserves local control over waterfront use and could free up the drive-down and sea-float for other users; they also cited potential long-term revenue from head taxes, mortgage fees and sales taxes. James Valentine, who said he represents Viking Bridal and works on ship operations, said American Cruise Line values Petersburg as a home port and that a borough partnership could support overnight stays and other local economic benefits.

Opponents and some board members pressed for clarity on contract terms, asking how a long-term agreement would limit annual passenger volumes and how borough utilities and maintenance responsibilities would be apportioned. The harbor master said an attorney advised that if the facility were to be public, it would have to be built under public rules (including Davis-Bacon wage requirements), and that the previously discussed plan for the company to build privately and then gift the facility was not legally sufficient.

The board made a motion to forward Concept 7 to the assembly for further discussion, with language recommending negotiation within the borough's adopted visitor industry management guidelines. The motion passed in roll call: Daniel Cardenas — yes; Casey Knight — yes; Don Spiegelmeyer — yes; Bob Martin — yes; Scott Reber — yes; John Mervinius — yes; Phil Reiner — yes.

Board members asked that the assembly-level negotiations explicitly address passenger caps consistent with the visitor industry management plan and include terms to protect borough access and the fishing fleet. The harbor master and staff said they will bring detailed contract terms, cost splits and design drawings to the assembly when the item is scheduled.

The assembly, not the harbor board, will negotiate and approve any final contract or agreement, the harbor master reminded the board. The harbor board's vote sends Concept 7 and the board's recommendations upward for that next step.