January 23, 2019
Rorie Watt
City Manager
City & Borough of Juneau
155 S. Seward Street
Juneau, AK 99801
Rorie,
Thank you for meeting with me last Friday at your office. I believe it was a constructive dialogue
and there is a sincere effort to work together going forward.
One item that you brought to my attention, was a new project known as the Archipelago
Project. You indicated that the decision to proceed was going to be before the Assembly on
January 28, 2019. As you explained the project to me, I suggested to you in my lay opinion,
that the project would be outside of legal spending per the December 6, 2018 ruling by Judge
Holland.
Since our meeting, I have posed the question to our legal counsel and they confirmed my initial
response. The land purchase and development of the proposed project would not be a proper
expenditure of entry fees, which our members pay to visit Juneau. The Judge’s ruling was quite
specific and required any expenditure to facilitate the marine operations of the vessels
themselves.
I am appreciative of your outreach and willingness to keep an ongoing dialogue with me through
the long legal process we have both endured. Despite the tough legal issues, you have always
been civil and forthright.
Juneau is the largest and one of the most beautiful ports in Alaska. Our guests enjoy an
incredible variety of experiences; stunning scenery, a diversity of cultures, and the warm
hospitality of the people. Our goal is that both the guests, and the local community, benefit from
a cooperative and successful working relationship going forward.
I know our member lines have a desire to work closely with you, Mayor Weldon, and the
Assembly to continue sharing Juneau with our visitors and in contributing to make Juneau a
great place to live.
Thanks again,

John Binkley
President
CC:

Mayor Beth Weldon
City & Borough Assembly