Assembly OKs $6.6 million for ferry terminal grant

The Skagway Borough Assembly send a clear message to state leaders on May 21 at their regular meeting: They are serious about renovating the Skagway ferry terminal.
Very serious.
The Assembly voted unanimously to approve Resolution 26-18R committing $6.6 million in matching funds for a Skagway Ferry Terminal Replacement grant. The funds represents the municipality’s part in a yet to be finalized ferry replacement project. The state, which would own 7/12th of a new facility, has been floating the idea of a new terminal.
Kaitlyn Jared, the transportation and special projects manager for Southeast Conference, said the ferry float is currently at like a 0% design phase, so the funding is for both design engineering dollars, and then the subsequent construction funds for it.
“So there’s still a lot of time as far as what the Municipality of Skagway needs as well as Alaska Marine Highway needs when it comes to the final design. Right now it’s just a concept to give MARAD an idea of why we’re asking for as much, as much funding as we are”
Jared said the application for the grant is due June 1.
Jared said the Assembly’s move was a good one.
Skagway also recently received a PIDP after four years of applying So, you know, it (getting funds this year) also kind of a slim chance, but it gets us going and in the queue, with MARAD to eventually get these funds.