NOTN- A proposed ferry terminal at Cascade Point near Juneau is drawing increasing criticism from Alaska lawmakers and the public alike, who are question its cost, planning and long-term benefit to the state’s struggling ferry system.
“I’m really struggling when we talk about the Cascade Point project and a few of these other proposed items, to understand how, from that statewide perspective, we’re investing the amount of money we’re investing into these projects.” Said Representative Ashley Carrick, “Why this? I’d like this money to stay in Southeast and be reinvested back into the Marine highway system in some way. But when you talk about there being controversy and welcoming the dialog, it doesn’t seem to jive with the fact that the dollars are already dedicated towards this project. So the discussion seems to be sort of moot and after the fact.”
Ryan Anderson, Commissioner for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities said, “When we are looking at that balance between the cost of a ferry, I view it as the time of a person, so if you can reduce the time you have to be on the ferry by hours, I see that as a value. We’re constantly looking for ways for operational efficiency.”
The Department of Transportation has already begun spending money on the project despite what lawmakers call unresolved issues, including plans for fresh water, sewage handling and access for walk-on passengers.
“They have a sort of big concept of a plan,” Kiehl said. “You shouldn’t start spending money before you’ve worked that stuff out.”
An economic analysis completed earlier this year concluded the project would not pay for itself within a reasonable time frame, Kiehl said. Lawmakers are also concerned that the terminal would not reduce operating costs for the Alaska Marine Highway System, which has faced years of service cuts and budget challenges.
“The other thing that’s super weird is, We really use a lot fewer of Alaskans dollars if we put the projects through the federal process, 9 national dollars for every 1 Alaska dollar.” He said, “I want to be able to promise you that I’m using your money as efficiently as I can. Well DOT has decided to do this with 100% Alaska dollars, no federal money in it.”
The Marine Highway Operations Board has formally opposed the project, and Kiehl said many legislators share those concerns.
“I have a huge number of colleagues who are just saying, this is crazy.” Kiehl said, “When I talk to DOT, and I say, show me the homework, and I get the dreaming stage, that’s tough defense to play.”
Supporters of a proposed ferry terminal at Cascade Point point to a partnership with Goldbelt Inc. as a key advantage, but Alaska lawmakers say the collaboration has not resolved broader concerns about the project.
“I guess most folks in the legislature are really questioning, is a second ferry terminal in Juneau, the way to go? Does it save us money long term? Does it make the ferry system more efficient long term?” Kiehl said.
