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Dock expansion
By Rob Glenn

 

August 08, 2005
Monday


Concerning this whole dock expansion, there are days we have four cruise ships in. Three at the dock, one at anchor and then sometimes even more, if you count the small ships and any additional ships at anchor. Then we have the cruise ships that come in early in the morning, leaving the afternoon and allow another ship to come in. How many more ships do we want? Are the shops downtown not making enough money? Maybe there are too many of them. I mean there is a jewelry store on nearly every corner. The same ones these cruise ship passengers can see if they go to Juneau, Sitka, and the entire Caribbean. I have read many people on Sitnews stating that these cruise ship passengers would like a "more Alaskan experience," so they do that by walking into jewelry stores?

I am really indifferent to this whole expansion issue, as I really have not been paying enough attention to it to understand that they want. I recall a couple of years ago seeing a layout in the daily news, but I really have not paid any attention.

One thing I don't understand about Ketchikan is how people in this town get to vote. I realize there is a borough, city, and additional towns on the island. But what I don't understand is if this is something that affects everyone on the island then why can't everyone vote on it? You would think when there are 13,000 people living here everyone somehow gets affected, and therefore it should not be limited regarding voting. I guess I don't even know why we have so many different political areas anyway.

Anyway, vote as you wish, but just think... do we need more cruise ships to come in on a single day? Are there enough cruise ships to make the dock necessary? Who will really benefit? Can the cruise ships help fix other parts of the city up, or add more less costly excursions for those passengers who "want to see Alaska", but don't or can't pay too much.

Maybe we can get a casino as that would add lots of money because cruise ship passengers love the casinos, and it would fit right in with all the Caribbean shops in town. If Ketchikan and Alaska want to be a tourist trap, then they should go all the way and hold nothing back.

Rob Glenn
Ketchikan, AK - USA

 

On the Web:

 Ketchikan Port Berth Expansion Bond Initiative

Ketchikan Port Berth
Expansion Bond Initiative

 Ketchikan Port Berth Expansion Bond Initiative

Vote August 16, 2005

 The City of Ketchikan is proposing to expand and improve facilities along the waterfront to provide enhanced public use and additional economic benefit to residents, business owners, and the City. A bond initiative will be placed on the August 16, 2005 ballot to gain approval for up to $70 million to fund the project. - More... Port Expansion Project Information

 

 

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