Agreement clears way for construction of new cruise dock and cultural destination
JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska Native village corporation Huna Totem Corporation and the City and Borough of Juneau have finalized a tidelands lease agreement for the Áak’w Landing project, clearing the way for final design and construction of a new cruise ship dock and waterfront destination in downtown Juneau. The lease agreement follows Assembly and Planning Commission approvals and represents years of collaboration and public engagement. Once completed, Áak’w Landing is expected to generate significant economic activity, improve visitor flow, and create new opportunities for community engagement along the downtown waterfront.
Áak’w Landing is expected to help meet growing demand for berth space, with 95 large cruise ships projected to anchor in 2026 and additional capacity needed in the years ahead. Given its location, this development significantly reduces vehicle congestion along Marine Park and South Franklin Street, while providing easy pedestrian access to downtown attractions and shops.
“Áak’w Landing is a meaningful investment in Juneau’s future,” said Russell Dick, president and CEO of Huna Totem Corporation. “The project creates a welcoming space to share our cultureand provides opportunities for local businesses, events, and community use, further revitalizing the downtown waterfront.”
Beyond dock infrastructure, the development incorporates public spaces, dining, retail, and cultural experiences. Áak’w Landing improves harbor safety and air quality by bringing ships currently at anchor to a dock. The dock will be constructed with shore power capability, further promoting environmental sustainability.
Áak’w Landing is also expected to support new jobs, increase cruise passenger spending, and contribute significantly to local tax revenues — positioning it among Juneau’s top property taxpayers.
As part of broader waterfront coordination efforts, Huna Totem worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure dock alignment is compatible with the Coast Guard’s proposed pier. TheCoast Guard has expressed interest in using the Áak’w Landing dock for the icebreaker Storis and other vessels on an interim basis if needed.
“This project reflects many years of extensive community input and collaboration,” Dick said. “As the project moves into its next phase, we remain committed to working closely with the community as we bring this unique development to life.”
About Huna Totem Corporation
Culture-driven and community-centric, Huna Totem Corporation (HTC) is an over 50-year-old Alaska Native corporation with businesses across tourism and product development as well as government contracting. Since opening its first tourism business, Icy Strait Point in 2004, it has welcomed over four million cruise travelers. HTC’s port development and operations model is globally recognized, and the corporation has received numerous awards including Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Global Vision Award, Porthole Cruise & Travel 2025 Readers’ Choice Award: Best Alaska Cruise Destination, Condé Nast Traveler’s “25 Best Places to Go in 2025,”Seatrade’s Global Port of the Year in 2020; and a #11 ranking on the New York Times 2022 Top 52 Places for a Changed World. With recent Alaska expansions to Klawock and Whittier, HTC continues to lead in sustainable and culturally rich tourism.
Formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), HTC represents more than 1,850 Alaska Native shareholders with Indigenous ties to Glacier Bay and the community of Hoonah, Alaska. The corporation is the single largest employer in Hoonah. To learn more, visit www.hunatotem.com.