 April 06, 2009
The project will construct a 1,300-foot long, two-lane causeway with a sidewalk for improved pedestrian safety. The facility will provide multi-modal roll-on/roll-off capability via a pontoon-supported, tidally-operated transfer bridge (with ramp and apron). The dock will allow access for current common carrier barge lines, petroleum barges, as well as transport and sightseeing vessels. The project is the result of the combined effort of DOT&PF, the City of Gustavus and the National Park Service with funding procured by all three parties from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. "The project will provide jobs and stimulate the economy during the construction period," said DOT&PF Commissioner Leo von Scheben. "However, I am confident that this safe, environmentally responsible and modern dock will provide long term economic opportunities." Locally, this project will provide on-site employment for about 30 workers from the pile-buck, pile-buck welder, heavy equipment operator, surveyor, electrician and laborer trades and crafts during the estimated one-to-one and a half years of on-site. Neighboring communities will see employment for up to 15 workers during extraction, hauling, barging and placement of the approximately 40,000 cubic yards of embankment and armor rock for the inter-tidal staging area embankment. The existing dock and causeway were built in the 1960s to serve five homesteads and no longer allows for freight operations and lessens the community and park's ability to provide necessary services to support an estimated 60,000 visitors and a thriving local fishing industry. The city's current mayor, Bill Unkel, indicated that the city also wished to acknowledge the many years of effort and support provided by Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young and by Alaska Sen. Albert Kookesh and Rep. Bill Thomas in making the project possible. The project is expected to
be awarded this month with construction underway shortly thereafter.
The $17 million dock, causeway and ferry landing is to be completed
by the winter of 2010.
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