Pictured: Port Director Carl Uchytil officiates the 2024 Tug of War competition. The US Navy gets ready to compete in the background.
The Juneau Maritime Festival is thrilled to acknowledge the ongoing support and dedication of CBJ Docks & Harbors. Their tireless efforts, dedication, and consistent pursuit of excellence ensure that Juneau’s vibrant waterfront and maritime culture not only thrives but continuously improves, welcoming both residents and visitors alike. Port Director Carl Uchytil, Harbormaster Matthew Cresswell, Port Operations Manager Scott Hinton, Administrative Officer Melody Musick, and the Docks and Harbors crew provide invaluable guidance and assistance to make sure the Juneau Maritime Festival runs smoothly. This year Docks and Harbors will be coordinating the Tug-of-War event at the Maritime Festival on May 3rd at 3:00 pm, and encourages teams of 6-8 to sign up by emailing klafollette@jedc.org. They will also be hosting a FREE children’s toy boat building activity in the Marine Park Pavilion all day on May 3rd. Come down and join the celebration at the Juneau Maritime Festival, proudly supported by the great Docks and Harbors team.
Read Docks & Harbors’ latest newsletter, and check out their exciting achievements below:
Recognizing Outstanding Staff Achievements
CBJ Docks & Harbors celebrated numerous achievements among its dedicated team members this year:
- Harbormaster Matt Creswell achieved the prestigious Port Professional Manager (PPM) credential from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). This accomplishment underscores his dedication, professionalism, and extensive expertise in port management.
- Kevin Dugan was honored as Employee of the Year by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters & Port Administrators (AAHPA). Kevin was recognized for his exceptional leadership, positive attitude, and consistent willingness to go above and beyond for his team and patrons.
- Angela Thrower was named Employee of the Quarter following her heroic actions at Aurora Harbor. Angela swiftly performed life-saving CPR on a patron who collapsed, demonstrating exemplary quick thinking, professionalism, and calm under pressure.
Major Community Projects and Enhancements
Docks & Harbors has continually invested in improving infrastructure and enhancing safety, efficiency, and enjoyment throughout Juneau’s maritime community:
- Aurora Harbor Expansion: The completion of Aurora Harbor Phase III introduced modernized slips and infrastructure. Phase IV, funded by local, state, and federal partnerships, is well underway, promising even greater capacity and improved facilities, fostering further growth in commercial and recreational boating.
- Wayside Park Float Dredging Project: A successful dredging project, completed by Rock-N-Road Construction, removed approximately 5500 cubic yards of sediment around Wayside Park’s fishing float. This critical work ensures safer navigation and improved access, benefiting commercial and recreational users alike.
- Enhanced Security at Harris Harbor: Responding to patron concerns, Docks & Harbors introduced automated security gates, significantly improving security and ease of harbor access during overnight hours. This improvement has been warmly welcomed by the harbor community.
- Educational Partnership and Internship Program with UAS: Docks & Harbors expanded its collaboration with the University of Alaska Southeast by welcoming interns Piper Hartlieb and Alyx Bohulano. Their roles brought fresh perspectives and invaluable contributions, simultaneously offering practical maritime experience and benefiting harbor operations.
- Recreational and Community Engagement: Additional community amenities were introduced at Peratrovich Plaza, including oversized Connect Four and cornhole equipment, enhancing the downtown waterfront and creating vibrant public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Docks and Harbors now has security staff on duty 24/7. New camera systems are continually being installed.
Exciting Future Endeavors
Looking forward, CBJ Docks & Harbors continues to set ambitious goals to maintain and enhance our vibrant maritime community. Exciting plans include further upgrades at Aurora Harbor and exploring the potential addition of playful maritime traditions, such as the highly anticipated Maritime Festival’s spirited tug-of-war.
Join us in thanking and celebrating CBJ Docks & Harbors for their relentless dedication, tireless service, and invaluable contributions to maintaining and enriching Juneau’s maritime heritage and vibrant community!