Harbor master outlines Pratty Park bulkhead, Anne Street Pier and cruise‑fee revenue

The harbor master told the council at the Jan. 7 workshop that major maritime projects are advancing and largely funded from harbor enterprise revenues rather than the general fund.

Steve Land described the Pratty Park bulkhead and dock project — covering southern docks, ramps, gazebos and a harbor walk — as a multi‑year undertaking with initial engineering, soil probing and partial construction underway. Early cost estimates have fluctuated during design; staff discussed a planning number in the low‑to‑mid tens of millions and currently referenced a roughly $14 million planning figure while final costs remain under refinement.

Land said the harbor fund will repay construction costs over a 20‑year horizon and that much of the work is supported by increased cruise‑related fees. He said the city increased the cruise passenger fee from $6 to $20 per person in negotiations with the state, a change he said would raise harbor revenue substantially and help make larger capital projects feasible.

The harbors presentation also covered the Anne Street Pier development, new ADA‑compliant ferry docks, tall‑ship moorings, marina facility upgrades and a final payment for a 28‑foot safety boat. Land emphasized that these are paid from maritime and harbor resources, not general‑fund taxpayers. He noted staffing needs will rise as new dockage and facilities are completed.