National Infrastructure Week and National Maritime Day

Carl Uchytil, Port Director for the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Docks and Harbors, joins Cliff Dumas to talk about the events taking place in Juneau in recognition of National Infrastructure Week and National Maritime Day. The City & Borough of Juneau Docks & Harbors will host a series of events to highlight recently completed harbor improvement projects. From May 18 to 22, Docks & Harbors will showcase three major harbor projects and present the 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers Alaska Infrastructure Report Card. Event Schedule: Monday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. – City & Borough of Juneau Assembly MeetingCBJ Mayor Beth Weldon will read a proclamation honoring National Infrastructure Week. Tuesday, May 19 at 12 p.m. – Statter Harbor Phase IIID Ribbon CuttingDocks & Harbors will celebrate the completion of the Statter Harbor Phase IIID project, a $3 million investment funded by the Docks Enterprise Fund. This project celebrates the uplands parking lot with curb, gutter, paving, lighting, and landscaping. The ribbon-cutting will be followed by a customer appreciation event featuring complimentary hot dogs, chips, and refreshments. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Wednesday, May 20 (Morning) – Taku Harbor Improvement Ribbon CuttingDocks & Harbors will travel to Taku Harbor to commemorate the completion of a $1 million improvement project funded through an Alaska Department of Fish & Game Sport Fish Grant, the 1% Sales Tax, and the Harbors Enterprise Fund. The project replaces the approach floats with an elevated catwalk to access the shore and the ADNR State Parks-managed Tiger Olson cabin. Limited public participation may be available. Contact the Port Director ([email protected]) with inquires.  Wednesday, May 21 at 12 p.m. – 2025 ASCE Alaska Infrastructure Report Card BriefingA public briefing will be held in the Assembly Chambers featuring the author of the Alaska Ports & Harbors section of the 2025 ASCE Report Card. The presentation will provide insight into the condition and performance of Alaska’s port and harbor infrastructure and highlight ongoing needs and priorities. Friday, May 22, at 12 p.m. – Aurora Harbor Phase IV Ribbon CuttingThe week will conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Aurora Harbor Phase IV project, an $8 million investment funded by the 1% Sales Tax, Harbors Enterprise Fund, and the Alaska Department of Transportation Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program. The project completes the recapitalization of Aurora Harbor, which started in 2013.  The event will include a customer appreciation gathering with complimentary food and refreshments.  Friday, May 22 – National Maritime DayThe City & Borough of Juneau Docks & Harbors and the US Navy League – Juneau Council will acknowledge National Maritime Day at the Aurora Harbor Ribbon Cutting event and throughout the day. Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella will be delivering remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This day reflects Americans' gratitude for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country. It also recognizes ships and seafarers who have held a special place in the nation’s history. In 1933, Congress declared National Maritime Day to commemorate the American steamship Savannah’s voyage from the United States to England, marking the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean with steam propulsion. During World War II, more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6,700 giving their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war, and more than 800 U.S. merchant ships being sunk or damaged. “These projects represent critical investments in Juneau’s working waterfront and recreational boating facilities,” said Port Director Carl Uchytil. “National Infrastructure Week provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the value of maintaining and improving our harbor system for residents, commercial users, and visitors alike.  National Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes one of our country’s most important industries.” All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted.