The new Lutak Dock conceptual design is nearing final approval from the federal government, a step that’s needed before the project can advance toward formal design and construction, Haines Borough manager Annette Kreitzer said. U.S. Maritime Administration engineers have recommended approving the concept to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who ultimately makes the decision, Kreitzer said. Public facilities director […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
A public official should be open-minded
As a newly-appointed member of the Haines Planning Commission, I would hope Mr. Richard Clement would be more informed and open minded about the proposed $25 million “industrial” dock project that will cost the “community” hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance per year and the possible “industrialization” of the Haines Highway Lutak Road ore truck haul […]
Posted inNews
Meeting planned to discuss possible ski lift
A Friday gathering is slated to address the idea of developing a ski lift and operation in Haines. The Lutak side of Mt. Ripinsky and Mosquito Lake’s “Ski Hill” are some of the areas that will be up for consideration for a ski operation at the new Ski Lift Working Group’s first meeting, which is open to residents and […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Dock is designed to meet seismic standards
In last week’s CVN, a Lynn Canal Conservation representative implied in a LTE that the Turnagain Marine Lutak Dock is designed to allow for large ships to transport ore. Docks are given design classifications based on their importance – Lutak Dock is essential to the region’s economy and is therefore considered critical infrastructure. This requires designing the dock to meet American […]
Posted inNews
DOT road transfer plan rooted in state policy
A proposal to improve Lutak Road in exchange for transferring three roads to the Haines Borough has shed light on a state program that favors projects that shift costs onto municipalities. The state selects community transportation projects through a competitive application process with a bias for proposals that involve transferring state-owned facilities to local governments. The Alaska Department of […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Beware the false choice
There is no “Community Dock” vs “Industrial Dock” that Haines residents need to “converse” about. The Haines freight dock is old, failing and in need of significant repair, and that is what the Haines Borough is pursuing. I called the group responsible for the advertisement, and they said the “Industrial” moniker is due to the designed increased […]
Posted inThank You Letters
Thanks for the warm memories
Thank you Haines friends for welcoming me 15 years ago and for letting me share the wonderful Alaska wilderness, your friendship and camaraderie. My thanks is a little late in coming, but it took me this long to realize that my time in Haines has come to an end. I miss visiting with you at […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Never look a gift horse in the mouth
At the Nov. 3 Ports and Harbors Committee meeting I asked the first four questions below. Chair Diana Lapham suggested I submit the questions to the Borough for posting on the Lutak Dock website. As of Tuesday afternoon, none were posted. Design work is on-going. Now is the time for questions. 1. Has the Turnagain proposal been […]
Posted inNews
TAB asks assembly to address crowding at Chilkoot
The borough’s tourism board is pushing the assembly to get involved in the crowding issue along Chilkoot River. The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) voted unanimously last Thursday to recommend the assembly discuss the problem with tour operators and land managers at their annual tour operator conduct meeting in the spring. The Chilkoot Corridor has had […]
Posted inNews
Talks with state include taking over DOT roads
A proposal to widen Lutak Road to accommodate increased tourist traffic could involve transferring three state-owned roads to the borough, according to Haines Borough manager Annette Kreitzer. Borough staff have had preliminary discussions with state transportation officials about improving Lutak Road, a proposal that could address traffic concerns raised by the borough’s tourism advisory board in July. In exchange for widening Lutak Road, […]