ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A small town in southeast Alaska could see a boost in tourism as a new pier could allow access for more cruise ships.
Huna Totem Corp. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are combining to build a pier at the Huna Totem-owned Icy Strait Point on Chichagof Island, KTVA-TV reported Tuesday.
“Huna Totem Corporation is proud that it is able to bring new business that supports and contributes to Hoonah’s economy. Expanding the cruise business at Icy Strait Point directly benefits the residents of Hoonah - increasing the number of employment opportunities, tax revenue and creates a tangible future in tourism for our young people,” Russell Dick, president and CEO of Huna Totem Corp., said a statement released Wednesday.
Tourism is the main economic driver in the town of fewer than 800 people after the logging industry dwindled, Hoonah city administrator Dennis Gray said. The pier should allow more ships to reach the town west of Juneau.
“It’s allowing people to stay and work and not move out of the town,” Gray said. “A lot of communities in southeast are having folks move out because there aren’t any jobs or opportunities for people to make a living.”
The new pier should be ready for the 2020 tourism season if construction stays on schedule.
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This story has been corrected to show that the new pier is a project between Huna Totem Corp. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and not the city of Hoonah.
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Information from: KTVA-TV, http://www.ktva.com
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