Wrangell is a waterfront community. So what better way to help the economy than to improve the waterfront.
Among the changes under consideration is a proposal — initiated by American Cruise Lines — to build a new floating dock and ramp between the barge landing and the Nolan Center. The company, which operates a pair of 170-passenger ships in Southeast Alaska, is discussing with the borough putting its signature to a 40-year lease to use the dock.
American Cruise Lines runs its Southeast summer cruises entirely in Alaska waters, no long trip to Seattle or Vancouver, B.C. That means more time in port, including overnight stays. The company would like a new, right-sized dock in Wrangell to better accommodate its operations.
The borough is considering the advantages of issuing what are called “revenue bonds” to pay for the project. Unlike bonds to pay for repairs to the schools or Public Safety Building, which are repaid from tax dollars, the debt on revenue bonds would be repaid by the fees charged American Cruise Lines to use the new dock.
The borough assembly, along with the port commission, planning and zoning commission, economic development board and convention and visitor bureau — plus the public — are invited to a work session at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at City Hall, to learn about the company’s plans, the borough’s plans, and how everything could fit together for the benefit of the community.
Wrangell certainly needs more dollars flowing through town, and visitors are a good way to deliver those dollars for businesses, their employees, contractors and the sales tax account at City Hall. More cruise ships bringing more visitors to town is a good delivery method.
Not the mega-sized ships of several thousand passengers that overwhelm communities. That would be more than Wrangell can handle or would want. The 170-passenger ships of American Cruise Lines measure up as a good fit for Wrangell. Not too big, but enough to make a difference.
The new dock and new business looks to be right for Wrangell.
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