Tourism

The fee, which must legally be spent on improvements that benefit passengers, will start out at $9 per passenger in 2025.

High Wind Warnings are in effect for the southern panhandle and Baranof Island, but Juneau will be a bit calmer.

Advocates for the proposition say the reins need to be pulled on the growth of tourism, but opponents say the financial and legal implications could hurt the local economy.

The 3.3 million visitors who came to Alaska’s national park sites in 2023 spent about $1.5 billion in the local regions, according to the Park Service’s annual visitor spending effects report.

A documentary examining the impact of cruise tourism’s explosive growth in Sitka will debut this weekend on national television.

The forum on Wednesday follows another forum last week where representatives of a group opposed to the proposition shared why they think it’s bad for Juneau.

The Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum where members of the group Protect Juneau’s Future shared why they believe the proposition is bad for the local economy.

The connection is free and open to the public, meaning locals and tourists can use it.

Critics say scrubbers trade would-be air pollution for water pollution, and they say state and federal regulators aren’t doing enough to keep Alaska waters clean.

James Houck has operated Juneau Pedicab — a company that offers tours from behind his bicycle — for seven years.