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Port and National Park Service begin early exploration of Alcatraz visitor center on waterfront
Summary
Port staff reported initial work with the National Park Service to site a northern waterfront visitor center and Alcatraz embarkation facility; the Park is conducting feasibility work and plans NEPA review if a port site is pursued.
Port staff informed commissioners that the National Park Service (NPS) has begun a feasibility process to identify a permanent visitor center and Alcatraz embarkation facility somewhere on the northern waterfront. The Park’s preliminary needs include approximately four excursion boats (about 500 passengers each) and 28,000–35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor visitor space, staff said.
Jonathan Stern, manager of the Port’s Waterfront Development Project Group, framed the initiative as an effort to "start the Alcatraz experience on this side of the bay" and to retain the Alcatraz excursion business on port property. Stern said the Park engaged a consultant (URS) to carry out feasibility analysis and that the next steps would likely include a NEPA environmental review before any site selection or lease negotiation.
Stern identified five port sites that passed an initial screening: Piers 19.5/29/30/31/41 and Pier 45 Shed A (northern waterfront sites shown to commissioners). Park representatives in the audience said public scoping could begin around June after feasibility work is complete; the full NEPA process could take roughly two years, the Park’s lead said.
Public comment included tenants, local businesses and unions who urged keeping Alcatraz embarkation on port property and pressed the Park and Port to enforce contract commitments and to prioritize low‑emission vessel standards. Unions also raised concerns about the labor impacts from prior contract changes and asked for protections for maritime jobs.
Commissioners asked staff to keep the commission updated at major milestones; one commissioner suggested drafting a letter to the congressional delegation encouraging retention of Alcatraz landings on port property.
Next steps: Park service and Port staff will continue feasibility work; public scoping and NEPA are anticipated if the project advances.
