New Dock Development Advances in Petersburg
American Cruise Lines is making significant strides in its plans to construct a new dock in Petersburg, following the Petersburg borough assembly’s recent approval of an ordinance to rezone waterfront land for the project. This decision, which awaits a second reading at the next assembly meeting, paves the way for a lease agreement that would allow the cruise line to independently build and maintain its dock, alleviating previous funding concerns that had sparked controversy.
Rezoning and Lease Agreement Details
The proposed rezoning affects a 22,500-square-foot area at the end of Dock Street, making it available for lease to American Cruise Lines. If the assembly approves the second reading, the cruise line will be able to negotiate a lease that allows it to fund the construction and maintenance of the dock without utilizing borough funds. This shift comes after earlier discussions revealed complications surrounding federal wage requirements and disagreements over marine passenger fees, which had previously stalled negotiations.
Harbormaster Glorianne Wollen emphasized the complexities involved in developing a public facility, noting that the costs can often double due to regulatory requirements. Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht confirmed that the marine passenger fees remained a critical issue in earlier talks, stating, “We were not going to bend on that.” The new approach allows American Cruise Lines to take full responsibility for the dock, ensuring that the borough’s harbor reserves remain intact.
American Cruise Lines has been actively involved in Petersburg, with its ships making 16 to 18 stops last season, often overnighting in the town. The company’s smaller vessels, which carry around 170 passengers, are considered a better fit for Petersburg compared to larger cruise ships that frequent bigger ports. The construction of a dedicated dock would not only enhance the cruise line’s operations but also alleviate congestion at the port, benefiting local fishing fleets and reducing scheduling conflicts with Petro Marine, which services both fishing vessels and cruise ships.
Future Prospects and Historical Context
If negotiations proceed smoothly, the lease agreement could be presented to the borough assembly as early as March or April. The dock’s design will be subject to review by the harbormaster to ensure it aligns with port operations. American Cruise Lines is also exploring similar arrangements in other Southeast Alaska locations, including Haines and Wrangell, where it has secured a 40-year tidelands lease for a floating dock.
Wollen provided insight into the historical context of Petersburg’s tourism, noting that visitor numbers have significantly declined from their peaks in the 1980s and 1990s. In those years, the town welcomed up to 18,000 visitors, a stark contrast to recent figures that have not surpassed 10,000. The decline is attributed to cuts in the Alaska Marine Highway System, which previously facilitated robust travel throughout Southeast Alaska. Wollen reminisced about the days when ferries brought RV travelers to Petersburg, a customer base that has largely vanished in recent years.
