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Finance committee recommends $12.87 million local match for PIDP grant to modify industrial dock
Summary
The finance committee voted to recommend to the assembly committing $12,873,796 in local matching funds for a Maritime Administration PIDP grant to fund an industrial dock project; members debated a $2 million design change (realigning Dolphin 11) that would add roughly $500,000 to the local match.
The Skagway Municipality Finance Committee on Sept. 3 recommended that the assembly commit $12,873,796 in matching funds to support a Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant for an industrial dock project.
Committee discussion focused on a design alternative from KPFF that would relocate “Dolphin 11” inline with the other dolphins rather than onshore. Staff said the in‑line design improves berthing length and catwalk alignment but increases construction cost by about $2 million and would add roughly $500,000 to the municipality’s match for the grant.
The recommendation was offered by Assembly member Deb Potter and seconded by Alex Waddell; the motion passed by voice vote. Committee members and staff noted the change is intended to increase the dock’s versatility — allowing interim industrial uses and potentially accommodating ore loading if a future agreement with a mine such as Minto is reached — while acknowledging the in‑line option may require additional dredging.
Deputy manager Tamika clarified project scheduling and permitting needs, telling the committee the work would likely not be completed until May 2030 after grant award, NEPA, permitting and obligations of funds are complete. An engineer from KPFF, who participated by phone at prior Ports & Harbors discussion, cautioned the main technical drawback is that some ore ships may rely on an onshore breasting line; staff said that can be accommodated but could affect how longshore and mooring connections are configured.
Supporters said setting aside the matching amount now preserves flexibility and keeps the project eligible for the PIDP grant; a committee member who had attended the Ports & Harbors advisory meeting called that discussion “good” and noted a finalized design is not required to set the match yet. The committee voted to recommend the amended packet committing the updated total as the local match to the assembly.
Next step: the assembly will consider the finance committee’s recommendation at its scheduled meeting.
