Assembly approves airport safety vehicle, runway equipment and Eagle Crest zipline franchise; votes recorded
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Summary
The assembly adopted three ordinances: a five‑year franchise for a zipline operator at Eagle Crest, and appropriations for a wetlands rescue Marshmaster vehicle ($320,200 total: $300,200 FAA AIP grant + $20,000 local match) and a motor grader/vacuum truck ($1,097,875; $60,000 local match). Roll call votes were recorded for the wetlands vehicle ordinance.
The Juneau assembly approved multiple ordinances on November 17 that authorize airport capital purchases and a franchise for recreational operations.
Ordinance 2025‑41 authorized a five‑year franchise and permit agreement for Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary LLC doing business as Kewanti Adventures to operate a zipline/adventure canopy tour at Eagle Crest. The manager said the company previously held an approved franchise and required an updated timeframe to pursue funding. No public testimony was registered and the assembly adopted the ordinance by unanimous consent.
The assembly also approved Ordinance 2025‑01bp, appropriating $320,200 to purchase a Marshmaster wetlands rescue vehicle intended to allow responders to reach marshy and tidal wetlands around the airport in the event of an aircraft incident. The manager said the appropriation is funded by $300,200 in FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funds and $20,000 in airport capital reserve matching funds. Airport Manager Andreas Delgado and Chief Etheridge described storage (indoor until space found at Glacier Fire Station) and said the vehicle floats and can traverse muskeg and ice; it will be part of initial Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) responses. The ordinance passed on roll call with six yays and two nays.
The assembly also adopted Ordinance 2025‑01bq, authorizing $1,097,875 (with a $60,000 local match) to replace aging motor grader and vacuum truck equipment used for airport snow removal and maintenance. Director Delgado said the new equipment’s swept width is approximately 8 feet versus about 2 feet for the older vehicle, increasing efficiency.
In other business the assembly accepted a list of nine late‑filed senior, hardship and disabled‑veteran property tax‑exemption applications and approved multiple appointments to city boards and commissions by unanimous consent.
What’s next: The airport will finalize procurement and housing for the Marshmaster and new grader equipment; staff will manage contract and storage logistics as described during Q&A.
