Port of Alaska budget shows increased debt pressure; ship‑launch dredging remains port responsibility

Anchorage — The acting director of the Port of Alaska told the Anchorage Assembly the port’s proposed 2026 appropriation increases substantially, largely because of debt associated with port projects and modest personnel changes.

Acting Port Director Mike Abbott and finance staff presented a 2026 operating appropriation of $28.3 million. Abbott said the increase largely reflects debt movements and an added superintendent position charged with required port work; capital proposals for 2026 are mostly funded from port equity. The port finance presenter confirmed the $5 million operating change reflected earlier approvals affecting the port.

Assembly members asked specifically about the Ship Creek boat launch dredging program. Abbott said the port owns the program and that routine dredging is a modest recurring maintenance item in the port’s budget. "It's entirely appropriate that it be the port's for the foreseeable future," Abbott said, adding the work historically has been a low‑tech operation (for example, bulldozing silt at low tide) and has usually come in under budget.

Port staff also warned the assembly to expect a forthcoming capital budget amendment to shift appropriations toward marine infrastructure — wharf piles and dock enhancements — and away from other line items, once department priorities and contractor schedules are finalized.

What happens next: port staff said they will return with details and recommended amendments to the capital list as schedules firm up; members should monitor the first‑quarter budget cycle and the capital amendment process for changes.