Skagway assembly commits $6.67 million match for ferry float grant application

The Skagway Municipality assembly voted to adopt Resolution 26-18R, committing $6,670,076 in matching funds for a ferry terminal float replacement grant application. The motion, made by Assemblymember Henry and seconded by Potter, passed on a roll-call vote recorded as five yeses.

At a public hearing, Caitlin Jared, transportation and special projects manager for Southeast Conference, told the assembly the ferry float project is at a 0% design phase and that the PIDP application covers both design engineering dollars and subsequent construction funding if awarded. "The ferry float is currently at, like, a 0% design phase," Jared said, adding the application includes a concept to justify the budget and that the municipality was being asked to provide a portion of the 20% local match (described in the packet as the municipality providing 0.417 of the 20% match).

Jared said the application is due June 1 and noted the state had already shown funding in the STIP — roughly $2 million earmarked to start design work this summer — but not enough to finish design. Assemblymembers pressed staff and presenters about whether approving the match would bind future decisions about port configuration or a potential shared-use facility; speakers emphasized that the PIDP submittal is a concept that can be refined and that public participation will continue if the project advances.

Manager presented a high-level port CIP scenario showing about $15 million in reserves at year-end but warned the municipality could face tight finances in FY29 if several large projects proceed. The assembly’s approval moves Skagway into the queue for PIDP consideration but leaves design details and community input to follow if the grant is awarded.