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Sitka Assembly discusses using $4.2M CPV balance for under‑bridge drop‑off, seawalk and facility upgrades
Summary
Assembly members discussed options for roughly $4.2 million in commercial passenger vessel fund balances, focusing on planning and design for an under‑bridge shuttle drop‑off, restroom upgrades, EV charging infrastructure and contributions to seawalk phases; staff were directed to work with the tourism commission and return with cost estimates and outreach.
City staff told the Sitka Assembly the commercial passenger vessel (CPV) fund had roughly $4.2 million available after accounting for governmental expenses, and presented three broad options: pursue assembly‑identified special projects, retain the balance as a reserve, or open a public call for proposals.
Assembly members proposed several possible uses. Assembly member Katie said planning and design work to revitalize the area beneath the O’Connell Bridge as a shuttle drop‑off and vendor area would help disperse visitors and relieve congestion at Harrigan Centennial Hall. “That area needs to be revitalized, and made better for that purpose,” she said, suggesting funds for planning/design and, if justified, later construction.
Public works director Mark described Seawalk Phase 2 as the stretch that would connect the library area to under the bridge; staff said permitting for that phase was delayed but hoped to mobilize construction this summer. Finance and planning staff described a methodology—using a McKinley cost study and mobile‑analytics—to estimate the share of out‑of‑state visitors and thus the CPV‑eligible portion of mixed projects. As an example, staff estimated up to 43% CPV eligibility for a Crescent Harbor playground bathroom project under that method.
Assembly members also discussed using CPV funds for heat‑pump upgrades at Harrigan Centennial Hall and the library, for partial capital support of seawalk phases, for EV rapid‑charging infrastructure under the bridge and for smaller downtown improvements that affect visitor perceptions (pothole repairs and signage). Several members suggested a work session and asked the tourism commission to vet the under‑bridge proposal and provide recommendations.
No binding appropriation was made at the meeting. Staff were asked to work with the tourism commission and public works to scope a modest revitalization plan, provide budget estimates for planning and limited construction options, and report back to the assembly for future action.
