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In December 2013 and October 2014, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) proposed improvements to the Gustavus Ferry Terminal and the associated small boat mooring facility in Gustavus, AK. Changes are now needed because former design and local community concurrence considerations have changed since the previously contemplated and permitted scope of work. The project was previously noticed in the Capital City Weekly on December 2013 and on October 2014.

The revised project construction would

   • Remove the existing steel bridge float and restraint structure and replace them with two 
      pile-supported bridge lift towers capable of elevating the relocated steel transfer bridge above
      the water when not in use 
   • Construct two new four-pile (30") lift towers
   • Construct new steel six-pile (30") bridge abutment
   • Expand dock by approximately 4100 square feet, requiring 15 new 24" steel piles
   • Relocate the steel transfer bridge and vehicle apron
   • Relocate timber mooring float (four 16" steel piles), timber log float (three 12 ¾" steel piles)
      and timber sectional/skiff floats
   • Install refurbished 16’x200’ steel mooring float, three four-pile float restraints
      (six 30" and six 24" steel piles), and 6’x85’ aluminum harbor access gangway
   • Provide access gangways and landing platforms for lift towers, and access catwalk to existing
      breasting dolphins
   • Remove 10’ x 28’ timber float
   • Extract 16 steel piles

The originally proposed project construction would

   • Remove the existing steel bridge float and restraint structure and replace them with two 
     steel/concrete bridge lift towers capable of elevating the relocated steel transfer bridge 
     above the water when not in use. Each tower would be supported by four 30" steel piles.
   • Expand dock by approximately 4100 square feet, requiring 34 new 24" steel piles
   • Construct new steel six-pile (24") bridge abutment
   • Relocate the steel transfer bridge, vehicle apron, and aluminum pedestrian gangway
   • Extract 16 steel piles
   • Relocate log float to end of existing float structure (install three 12 ¾" steel piles)
   • Remove 10’ x 28’ timber float
   • Install a new harbor access float (assembled from the existing bridge float) and steel
      six-pile (30") float restraint structure
   • Provide access gangways and landing platforms for lift towers, and access catwalk to existing
      breasting dolphins

Construction is projected to begin in spring 2019

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The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated November 3, 2017 and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.

Development of this proposed project would follow a process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Based on project location and scope of work, the environmental document is anticipated to be a categorical exclusion (CE). Possible affected resources include wetlands, waters of the U.S., eagles, and cultural or historic properties.

The proposed project would comply with all applicable authorities including:

   • National Historic Preservation Act Sect. 106                       • EO-12898 (Env. Justice)
   • EO-13175 (Consult & Coordinate w/ Indian Tribal Gov.)      • EO-13007 (Indian Sacred Sites)
   • EO-11593 (Protect & Enhance Cultural Env.)                       • EO-11990 (Protect Wetlands)
   • Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conserv Mgt Act                       • EO-11988 (Floodplains Mgt)
   • Clean Air Act                                                                     • Clean Water Act

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DOT&PF is soliciting comments and information on the proposed project. Your comments would help us evaluate potential environmental, social and economic impacts of this project as well as impacts to historic and cultural resources.

Please submit your written comments to:

Christy Gentemann, Environmental Analyst
DOT&PF, Southcoast Region Phone: 907-465-4524
P.O. Box 112506 FAX: 907-465-4414
Juneau AK 99811-2506 E-mail: christy.gentemann@alaska.gov

To ensure that all possible factors are considered, please provide comments via email or fax, or mailing address by April 25, 2018.

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It is the policy of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no person shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of any and all programs or activities we provide based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin, regardless of the funding source including Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration and State of Alaska Funds. The DOT&PF complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

If you or someone you represent requires special accommodations in order to respond to this public notice, please call or email the project coordinator listed above or call Alaska Relay at 711 or call

(800) 770-8973 for TTY (800) 770-8255 for voice

(800) 770-3919 for ASCII (866) 355-6198 for STS

Ask the communications assistant to call the project coordinator listed above so arrangements can be made to assist you.