The Alaska Native village corporation Huna Totem Corporation broke ground on an $80 million infrastructure project that will bring a second docking facility to the gateway of Prince William Sound, Whittier, Alaska. The privately funded project is being advanced through a partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Alaska Native corporation, a partnership that has proven success with its most recent collaboration at Icy Strait Point, Wilderness Landing.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day groundbreaking was intentional, with Huna Totem Corporation CEO and President Russell Dick reflecting, “The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act happened over 50 years ago, and when you consider its vision, it was about the opportunity for Alaska Native corporations to work collaboratively with the State of Alaska and municipalities to build economic opportunities for communities, for our shareholders, and for all Alaskans.”
The infrastructure project will include a cruise ship terminal and facilities for rail and bus service, with opportunities for retail, dining and even a cultural center. The dock will be built to be able to berth ships from all three of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, and Regent Seven Sea Cruises.
“We couldn’t be more proud to be here today, having seen some of those dreams come to fruition,” added Dick. “This is one of the best arrival experiences you’ll have in Alaska.”
The Mayor of Whittier Dave Dickason introduced the project as “the new future of Whittier.” Adding, “Huna Totem is an Alaska company that understands the values that Alaskans hold, and they’ve done a good job working to understand the complicated issues that we here in the city of Whittier are trying to overcome. This project is good for the city of Whittier and good for the State of Alaska.”
Port project partner, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings acknowledged its long history in the state and consumer interest to find new ways to develop representative experiences. “Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to Alaska goes back decades,” shared Norwegian Cruise Line Senior Vice President Juan Kuryla. “We were the first cruise line to sail to Alaska from Seattle. That commitment continues today here in Whittier and we could not be prouder to once again partner with Huna Totem. This project will expand sustainable tourism, providing guests with an authentic experience, which is very important to all of our passengers.”
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy participated in the groundbreaking, applauding the public-private with Huna Totem and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and the community of Whittier for, “having a vision for what they want to be as a community moving forward.”
“This $80 million project will create jobs, economic activity, and revenue for the City of Whittier. This is a smart phased development approach, over time it will add housing, hotel rooms, cruise berths, boat launches and harbor infrastructure.”
“This makes Whittier more than just a destination for our outside guests but also a destination for Alaskans that live in the region year-round.”
The Governor’s comments and participation at the groundbreaking further emphasized his ongoing support of tourism as an economic opportunity and driver for the State of Alaska. The Governor is widely recognized for assisting Alaska’s tourism program and providers, recently credited for being a leader in helping reopen cruising and championing the state as a must-visit destination for all travelers.
Whittier is a community of less than 300 year-round residents, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. Known for glacier and wildlife day cruises and fishing, the community currently receives Princess and Holland America cruise ships.
