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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
Machinery Mobilized at Cascade Point for Ferry Terminal Project
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and its contractor, K&E Alaska, have begun mobilizing heavy equipment to the Cascade Point site near Juneau. The action marks the first visible step toward Stage 1 construction of the highly debated Cascade Point Ferry Terminal Development project.
Construction Not Yet Authorized as Permitting Continues
Despite the arrival of machinery, construction has not yet been authorized, and ground-disturbing activities remain on hold pending further approvals. DOT&PF stated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently determined that the planned Stage 1 work area does not fall within jurisdictional wetlands, eliminating the need for a USACE permit for this portion of the development. However, the department emphasized that ground-disturbing work will not proceed until completion of the State of Alaska's environmental checklist and consultations under the Alaska Historical Preservation Act.
Legal and Environmental Concerns Raised
The project faces persistent opposition from environmental advocates and some state lawmakers, who argue that it suffers from procedural and legal shortcomings in its environmental review and permitting process. Critics claim that the project is being expedited ahead of a transition to a new gubernatorial administration, prompting additional scrutiny.
Cease-and-Desist Letter and Lawsuit Threat
The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council has responded to recent developments by sending a cease-and-desist letter to DOT&PF, K&E Alaska, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The letter demands a halt to all construction activity until the permitting process is fully completed and threatens legal action if these demands are not met.
Concerns Over Access and Project Purpose
Opponents also highlight the terminal's location, roughly 30 miles north of the existing Auke Bay Ferry Terminal, arguing that it may complicate travel for passengers who would need to drive or shuttle farther to reach Cascade Point. Critics further contend that the project primarily benefits local mining logistics rather than regular ferry commuters.
Project Plans for Stage 1 Construction
According to DOT&PF, Stage 1 is a design-build effort in an uplands area, which includes designing and constructing the access road to the terminal, building a bridge over Cascade Creek, preparing the uplands staging area, and stockpiling materials for Stage 2. The next phase, Stage 2, is set to involve constructing the causeway.
DOT&PF has pledged to provide another public update before actual construction begins, detailing anticipated activities, schedules, and potential impacts.
Source: juneauempire.com.
