Cruises, Docks and Harbors and Downtown Rallies

Cruise Ship Fees May Rise in Juneau
Docking costs could nearly double for cruise ships and large yachts visiting Juneau starting in 2026. The Docks and Harbors Board is proposing a new fee structure for vessels 200 feet or longer, charging $7.32 per foot or $7 per lower berth—whichever is more. A public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. tonight at the Port Director’s Office and online.

Cruise Industry, City Meet Today
City officials and cruise industry representatives, including CLIA Alaska, are meeting today at noon to discuss the 2025 season. The joint session in Assembly Chambers aims to address economic opportunities as well as concerns about overcrowding and the environment. The public can attend or watch via Zoom at juneau.org.

Downtown Rally and Street Closure Today
A rally organized by Alaskans For Life is happening from noon to 1 p.m. on the Capitol steps. Fourth Street between Main and Seward will be closed to vehicles during that time.

Jorden Nigro Honored as ‘Champion for Kids’
Jorden Nigro, head of Zach Gordon Youth Services, is being recognized today in Anchorage by the Alaska Children’s Trust. Over the past decade, she’s expanded Juneau’s youth programs from a drop-in center to a full-service community hub.

Financial Literacy Bill Advances
House Bill 90 would require Alaska high schools to offer financial literacy classes starting in 2026. The bill passed out of committee this week and aims to teach students budgeting, debt management, and financial aid navigation.

Court Upholds Airplane Seizure in Bootlegging Case
The Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that the state’s seizure of an airplane used in a 13-year-old bootlegging case does not violate the Constitution. The plane belonged to Kenneth Jouppi, who was convicted of illegally transporting beer into the dry village of Beaver.

Wrangell School District Faces Budget Crisis
The Wrangell school board is dealing with a projected shortfall of over $1.3 million for the 2025-26 school year. A special meeting to finalize the budget is set for Wednesday, April 30.

Bill Would Reinstate Campaign Donation Limits
Senate Bill 116 would reinstate limits on campaign contributions in Alaska—$2,000 from individuals and $4,000 from groups per election cycle. The bill is in response to a federal court ruling that struck down the previous limits in 2021.

Senate Finance Briefed on State Salary Study
A new state salary study shows Alaska’s pay is about average compared to market medians but lags behind competitive rates—especially for engineers, executives, and scientists. Law enforcement and trade jobs were more competitive.