Harbor commission rejects recommendation to sell city T-dock after public opposition

The Cordova Harbor Commission voted on Sept. 17 to reject a recommendation to dispose (sell) the city's T-dock after extensive public comment and commissioner concern about privatizing public dock access.

Public commenters representing local processors urged the commission to keep the T-dock in public hands. "On behalf of Trident Seafoods, I'd like to state our opposition to the sale of the city's T-dock to Cam Tu, Alaska Wild Seafoods," said Christopher Gallardo, who identified himself as speaking for Trident Seafoods. Jared Hanak, speaking as a Cordova resident, said the T-dock is critical infrastructure: "T-dock was important infrastructure to all the fishes and all the processes we've got," and warned limiting access to a single processor could harm the fleet and the broader community.

Rich Wither of 60 North Seafoods told commissioners he agreed with those concerns and said privatizing public property would be a missed opportunity for harbor growth.

A representative for Cam Tu/Alaska Wild Seafoods said the operator is exploring options for an offload dock and emphasized a desire to "ensure all parties are happy" and to add cranes and services that could benefit multiple users. The representative said Cam Tu did not intend to inhibit other processors.

Commission discussion focused on access for larger vessels and on alternatives to outright sale. One commissioner warned that, with a barge at the ocean dock by the fuel dock, "it really does shut off access to anything over 80 feet in the harbor," arguing that privatization could limit public use and transient visits. Multiple commissioners urged exploring long-term lease arrangements similar to the city's arrangement with 60 North or pursuing new infrastructure, such as revisiting the previously proposed South Fill location, rather than selling the existing T-dock.

The commission called the question and voted on the disposal recommendation. Several members voted "nay" and the recommendation to dispose of the T-dock failed.

Next steps discussed included offering letters of support for alternative projects, encouraging Cam Tu to seek a long-term lease or a dedicated operating agreement, and further exploration of funding options for new public infrastructure. The commission asked staff to continue researching lease and funding alternatives rather than pursuing sale.

The special meeting adjourned after miscellaneous business and a brief discussion of the upcoming budget and fee schedule.