(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is advancing development of a new ferry terminal at Cascade Point, underscoring Governor Mike Dunleavy’s commitment to improving transportation reliability, reducing operational costs, and increasing public access to Juneau, the State’s Capital, and communities across Southeast Alaska. The project represents a bold step forward—moving from agreement to action—on a top priority for the Governor and a long-standing concept for enhancing regional connectivity.

A Strategic Partnership for Southeast Alaska
In 2023, the State and Goldbelt, Inc., a Native corporation located in Juneau, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue shared infrastructure at Cascade Point (Mile 42, Glacier Highway). With Goldbelt owning the surrounding lands, the MOU reflects a unique public-private partnership rooted in shared interests—supporting local economies, respecting Alaska Native land stewardship, and improving essential services for residents.

DOT&PF is now initiating a design-build procurement process for Phase 1 of the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal, using funds appropriated for the Juneau Access project. These state funds are specifically available for improving transportation in the Lynn Canal corridor—an intent this project fulfills while avoiding new federal debt or lengthy delays.

Improving Access, Reducing Costs, and Enhancing System Resilience
Located approximately 30 miles north of the current Auke Bay terminal, Cascade Point offers strategic advantages:

• Reduced transit times to Haines and Skagway by more than two hours round trip;
• Improved schedule reliability through reduced marine miles and exposure to weather;
• Lower operating and fuel costs, extending the viability of the AMHS fleet;
• Increased service capacity, allowing the potential for increased ferry runs during peak summer demand.

These benefits directly respond to recommendations in the 2020 AMHS Reshaping Work Group Report, which identified Cascade Point as a promising solution for modernizing operations and boosting service reliability.  The 2045 AMHS Long-Range Plan acknowledged Cascade Point as a possibility, once technical feasibility work was completed. Engineering analysis confirms Cascade Point meets the technical criteria necessary for AMHS ferry service.

Cascade Point does not replace the Auke Bay Terminal. Rather, it complements and enhances the overall ferry system. This dual-terminal approach provides operational flexibility and resiliency, ensuring that AMHS can adapt to seasonal demand, optimize vessel deployment, and strengthen continuity of service in the event of disruptions or weather-related constraints.

Building on Years of Planning
The Cascade Point concept is not new. It was initially explored nearly two decades ago and resurfaced in 2019 when internal DOT&PF memos acknowledged the feasibility of a terminal to support day-boat operations and resolve known challenges with existing terminals. Since 2022, DOT&PF has partnered with Goldbelt to evaluate engineering, environmental, and operational feasibility, completing preliminary designs and initiating land use agreements. Once the land use agreements are finalized, future work and development at Cascade Point will continue.

DOT&PF acknowledges that some members of the public have expressed interest in better understanding the project’s development process. In response, DOT&PF reaffirms its intent to engage the public, provide information proactively, and welcome input throughout development. Cascade Point is not a substitute for broader marine infrastructure investment—it is one key component of a more resilient and efficient ferry system.

A Catalyst for Broader Vision
The Cascade Point terminal is a near-term investment that supports long-term strategies—providing a flexible, scalable platform for evolving service models.

“At DOT&PF, we’re focused on delivering infrastructure that works for Alaska,” said Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “Cascade Point reflects smart investment, strong partnerships, and the Governor’s clear direction to improve access and service reliability for Southeast communities.”

Additional details about the design-build contract scope will be available shortly to the public.

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The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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