Skagway ports board recommends municipality‑funded scoping study for mining shipments

The Ports & Harbor Advisory Board voted March 10 to recommend that the Skagway assembly approve an independent scoping study into moving mine concentrate through the Port of Skagway and that the municipality fully fund the work.

The motion, amended in discussion to emphasize municipal funding and independence, was moved by Vice Mayor Potter and seconded by Vice Chair Resich; the board approved the recommendation by roll call with all voting members present saying yes.

The proposal follows presentations from Selkirk Copper and the Yukon Alaska Port Alliance. Scott Fulton of Selkirk said the company seeks "a completely independent scoping study by a subject matter expert" to evaluate benefits, drawbacks, risks and limitations of moving concentrate through the port and that Selkirk is targeting production by 2028. Fulton asked that a study be kicked off quickly and proposed a hoped‑for start of April 1.

Borough attorney Robin Brenna addressed the board on legal and policy issues the municipality must consider. Brenna said the municipality and his office are working with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation on contamination scoping and that "the important thing is to be able to safely and efficiently move the ore through the community and to have the public policy concerns memorialized in the legal framework" so responsibilities and guarantees are clear.

Board members stressed the need for perceived independence and municipal control. "If we're funding a study for a private corporation's interest in doing business in Skagway, it needs to be funded by us," Secretary Fahey said. Several members worried about the optics and recommended the municipality fully finance the study to preserve public trust.

Members also asked the scoping team to evaluate multiple operational options (containerized rotainers versus bulk shiploader), environmental factors (wind thresholds for fugitive dust, PM2.5 monitoring, fugitive‑dust controls), utility and infrastructure needs, and baseline contamination levels in the Ore Terminal basin so future changes can be measured. Vice Chair Resich asked that the study include "at what wind speed does dust become airborne" and other environmental thresholds.

The board's recommendation will go to the assembly for approval and budgeting. The advisory board recorded that the motion calls for the assembly to authorize and fund a municipality‑directed, independent scoping study that will be used to assess feasibility, environmental protections, public safety, and potential revenue streams.