CBJ now accepting project proposals for Marine Passenger Fee proceeds

Every year, the City and Borough of Juneau asks city departments and the public, including businesses and the visitor industry, for project proposals to be funded with Marine Passenger Fee proceeds. Proposals can be submitted now through January 2, 2019. Based on projected passenger numbers, the amount of revenue from the CBJ Marine Passenger Fee is anticipated to be around $5.8 million.

In 1999, Juneau voters passed a proposition assigning a tax of $5 per cruise ship passenger to assist in funding projects that enhance the tourism experience and offset community impacts created by the cruise ship industry, including use of emergency services, transportation and recreation infrastructure. Federal law requires that any project funded with these fees must address both the safety and accessibility of cruise ship passengers.

The City Manager will develop a draft recommendation list of projects to be funded by Marine Passenger Fee proceeds by January 15. The public will then have 30 days to comment on the list of recommended projects. All Marine Passenger Fee project proposals and comments will be forwarded along with the City Manager’s recommendation list to the Assembly Finance Committee for review, and then to the Assembly for consideration during the upcoming budget cycle.

Proposals must be submitted by January 2, 2019 to [email protected] or the City Manager’s Office, attention Susan Phillips, 155 S. Seward Street, Juneau, Alaska 99801.

More information about the Marine Passenger Fee program, including project proposals from previous years, can be found on the City Manager’s website, under Special Projects.

For more information, contact Susan Phillips in the City Manager’s Office at 586-5240 or [email protected].