During the recent Assembly Finance Committee meeting in Juneau, a significant focus was placed on the budget for the Docks and Harbor Enterprise, highlighting a crucial $3 million capital project aimed at enhancing Statter Harbor. Carly Uchitel, the court director, emphasized the importance of this funding, which is intended to complete Phase 3 of the Statter Harbor project, specifically for curb guttering and paving the cruise ship excursion parking lot.

Uchitel outlined the organizational structure, noting that the Docks and Harbor Enterprise employs 38 full-time equivalents, which includes 22 year-round employees. The majority of the workforce consists of seasonal staff who support operations at the harbors and downtown cruise ship docks.

The discussion underscored the urgency of the funding request, with committee members expressing a desire for swift action to ensure the project moves forward without delays. The improvements at Statter Harbor are expected to enhance the experience for cruise ship visitors and support local tourism, making this budget decision particularly impactful for the community.

As the committee continues to review the budget, the outcome of this funding request will be closely watched, with potential implications for both local employment and the tourism sector in Juneau.