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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Juneau Planning Commission Approves Revised Cruise Ship Dock Project
The Juneau Planning Commission has given unanimous approval to a downsized version of Huna Totem Corp.’s planned cruise ship dock and waterfront development, Áak’w Landing, in downtown Juneau. The decision was made during a meeting on Tuesday night, following substantial increases in project costs and notable public scrutiny.
Scaled Down Facilities Due to Project Cost Escalation
According to Susan Bell, vice president of strategic initiatives at Huna Totem Corp., the facilities will now be smaller in scale than initially proposed. Bell cited dramatic project cost escalation, stating, “It’s smaller-scale facilities. There still is a welcome center, waterfront retail, dining, a small cultural center, park, and event space.” The modifications include eliminating underground parking plans and reconfiguring the bus staging and parking area.
Background: Approvals and Scope of the Project
The Áak’w Landing project has been under development for several years. Conditional use permits for the cruise ship dock and waterfront development were approved by the planning commission in 2023. In 2025, the Juneau Assembly authorized a tidelands lease, paving the way for the dock, which is slated to be built in Gastineau Channel off Egan Drive, adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard station.
Tuesday’s approval officially amends the original 2023 plan to reflect the scaled down scope of the upland development. The revised plan maintains key features but significantly reduces the extent of the dock facilities.
Project Cost Escalation and Contributing Factors
Originally pegged at $150 million, costs for the Áak’w Landing project have now risen to more than $250 million. Bell attributed the increase primarily to tariffs on steel and overall market volatility. This project cost escalation contributed to the decision to scale down the waterfront development.
Public Opposition and Environmental Concerns
Karla Hart, a longtime critic of cruise tourism expansion in Juneau, was the only member of the public to provide testimony on the modifications. Hart voiced concerns about the potential for increased traffic, pollution, and changes to the dock configuration. She specifically highlighted environmental issues, saying, “Diesel pollution is incredibly toxic. We continue to learn more and more, but the volume of information that we know that it’s incredibly toxic is intense.”
In 2023, Hart filed an appeal against the planning commission’s permit approval in an attempt to halt the development. The appeal was ultimately unsuccessful, though it did delay the project timeline.
Construction Timeline Moving Forward
Despite public opposition and the cost-related changes, Huna Totem Corp. has stated that it aims to begin construction on the cruise ship dock and associated facilities in the summer of 2027. The waterfront development is projected to open in 2028.
Source: ktoo.org.
