The Mission
The Cascade Point Ferry Terminal is designed to create a more modern, resilient, and agile connection between Juneau, Haines, and Skagway. By shortening ferry routes, reducing travel times, and lowering operating costs, Cascade Point strengthens Southeast Alaska's link to the Interior while supporting economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. As part of the AMHS 2045 Long-Range Plan, this project combines strategic public investment with smart partnerships to build a reliable, modern ferry system that keeps Alaskans and visitors moving safely and efficiently for generations to come.
Why Cascade Point Matters
To make it clear, the Auke Bay Terminal isn't going anywhere. It will continue serving other Southeast routes, while Cascade Point focuses on the Juneau-Haines-Skagway connection - one of AMHS's busiest and vital links.
Key benefits of Cascade Point:
- Shorter Travel Times: Cuts 24 nautical miles from the route, saving over 3 hours of vessel run-time each day.
- Lower Operating Costs: Saves about $590,000 annually in fuel and maintenance.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces CO2 emissions by 1,190 tons per year - like taking 250 cars off the road or powering 200 homes a year.
- Economic Opportunity: Construction supports dozens of local jobs, and improved logistics could enable larger projects like the New Amalga Mine.
- Smart Partnerships: Collaboration with Goldbelt helps the State focus on public infrastructure while private investment supports future marine and industrial activity.
- Solves Missing Transport Link: Goldbelt's commitment to provide shuttle service between Cascade Point, Auke Bay, and the Mendenhall Valley completes a critical connection for walk-on passengers at both Auke Bay Terminal and Cascade Point, addressing an existing gap in transportation.
- Reliability through Redundancy: Cascade Point provides an additional terminal option, ensuring service can continue even during disruptions, maintenance, or construction.
Cascade Point is more than just a ferry terminal — it's part of a long-term vision for a stronger, more efficient Alaska Marine Highway System.
By shortening ferry routes and combining longer roads with shorter crossings, the project increases reliability, reduces travel times, and improves connectivity between Southeast Alaska and the interior.
This approach mirrors some of the most efficient ferry systems around the world, which all share one key strategy: smarter route planning that balances road access with ferry travel.
As part of the AMHS 2045 Long-Range Plan, Cascade Point supports a system that is:
- Reliable: More predictable schedules and fewer delays.
- Efficient: Shorter travel times and lower operating costs.
- Connected: Stronger links between communities, residents, and visitors.
- Sustainable: Reduced emissions and smarter resource use for the long term.
Cascade Point represents a step toward a modern, resilient, and future-ready ferry system - connecting people, communities, and opportunities across Alaska.
Submit Your Comments
Your voice matters to us. Share your thoughts on Phase 1 of the uplands work now through January 9, and feel free to keep the conversation going anytime throughout the life of the project. There will be future opportunities to comment during Phase 2, and those comment periods will be announced as the next phases develop.
Learn More
Use DOT&PF's Alaska Project Exchange tools to learn more about all of DOT&PF's active construction projects statewide!