Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Goldbelt is committed to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. Potential impacts on salmon, whales, and traditional fishing areas are being carefully considered as part of ongoing planning efforts. The permitting process includes thorough environmental review, and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a required component of regulatory compliance for this type of project.
• To date, Goldbelt has completed several key environmental assessments, including wetland delineation, eagle nest surveys, fish stream surveys, and floodplain evaluations.
• We have also facilitated on-site inspections by representatives from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support agency oversight and collaboration.

• The project team is taking a comprehensive approach to infrastructure needs. While the current plan does not include a second crossing, it does account for growth within utility systems.
• Goldbelt and its development team are designing a full wastewater and water treatment system for the port to minimize strain on Juneau’s existing infrastructure. Traffic management and utility planning are being coordinated with city planners and engineers.

• Public feedback is actively solicited during the permitting process led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Comments for USACE review were accepted throughout September, and community members were encouraged to participate.
• Goldbelt has taken the appropriate steps at each stage to meet all permitting requirements and will continue to do so as the project progresses.
• Permitting processes through city, state, and federal agencies each have different requirements for public disclosure and comment periods. Goldbelt has complied—and will continue to comply—with all applicable regulations.
• The project has been formally presented to the City and Borough of Juneau.
• While key decisions have been made on the project’s overall vision and location, other aspects are still open for public comment, particularly those related to infrastructure, community amenities, and other aspects that are subject to public processes.

Once operational, the port will be subject to both the cruise ship head tax and JCB’s property tax, potentially making it Juneau’s largest source of tax revenue.

• No, the Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port project is not connected to the proposed casino-like development near Eaglecrest.
• Goldbelt is focused on developing Juneau’s first cultural cruise destination on its ANCSA lands in West Douglas

Goldbelt Aaní translates to Goldbelt’s Land—a name chosen with intention to reflect our deep connection to place, people, and purpose. Rooted in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), this name honors our commitment to our shareholders—our Native owners—and the lands entrusted to us. ANCSA was created to promote economic self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives, and Goldbelt was established under this act to carry out that mission.

For over 50 years, Goldbelt has lived up to this responsibility—growing into a proven economic driver and community leader. The name Aaní speaks not only to the land, but to our role as stewards of its value and potential.

This platform reflects Goldbelt’s mission to make a positive impact in the lives of our owners, and our vision to be a forever company that creates generational wealth. It embodies the values that guide us: Integrity, Respect, Service, and an entrepreneurial spirit—all in pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

Goldbelt expects to welcome the first cruise ship during the 2028 cruise season, following a phased development process.

Goldbelt has owned the land since it was conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1972. The land will continue to be owned by Goldbelt and its shareholders in perpetuity. Upon completion, Goldbelt’s tourism division will operate the port.

Goldbelt is owned by more than 4,300 Alaska Natives whose ancestors made their home in Lingít Aaní. When the U.S. Government resolved land claims through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Goldbelt was allotted over 32,000 acres from its ancestral lands. The Corporation holds ANCSA lands at Echo Cove, Cascade Point, West Douglas, Hobart Bay, and Port Houghton. The stated goal of ANCSA is to promote economic self-sufficiency through land and asset management.  

Alaska Native Corporations are bound by legal and cultural responsibilities to benefit their owners — all of whom are tribal citizens and many still reside in Juneau. ANCSA land is not developed to enrich an individual or a singular business interest, but rather to advance the long-term well-being of its Alaska Native shareholders.

Yes. As a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation, Goldbelt is one of the largest taxpayers in the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ). The Goldbelt cruise port will increase the municipality’s tax base and add property and sales tax revenues collected by CBJ. Cruise lines are required to pay the state head tax per guest arriving at the first five ports of call within their itinerary in Alaska. This state requirement applies to public as well as private ports. Following the state guidelines, Juneau will continue to receive passenger fees from travelers visiting Goldbelt’s port.

Yes. Goldbelt and its shareholders succeed when local businesses and Juneau’s economy thrive. The Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port will continue to offer local tour operators access to opportunities. Through the port’s design and buildout, Goldbelt aims to lower the cost of entry for tour operators and local retailers to engage with travelers visiting the port. By developing a purpose-built facility, operators and retailers can serve guests while lessening the impact on the city infrastructure and the natural environment we share with the Juneau community.

Goldbelt and its development team are holistically considering the needs of the community within the design and development of the port. This includes a complete wastewater and water treatment system to service the needs of the port. Plans also include on-site crew housing and a childcare center — features not typically found in similar developments but rather tailored to directly benefit Juneau’s workforce.

The proposed port location is in close proximity to AEL&P’s high voltage lines that extend to Greens Creek Mine. Due to the location of the berths and the existing Power Transfer Station, Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port is the most viable way to provide additional shore power for ships arriving in Juneau.

The port construction plans call for the development of boat ramp and dock facilities to support tour operations. By reducing the bus transfer of guests and tour boats between Auke Bay and whale watching excursions, the harbor allows the port to reduce the impacts on Juneau’s waters and roadways.

Royal Caribbean Group has expressed its strong interest in being the port’s primary user once construction is completed. Additional potential customers may be announced closer to the port opening.

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process approves certain types of development that aren’t automatically included in a zoning district but may be appropriate under specific conditions.

In Juneau, applicants submit a CUP proposal to the Community Development Department, which reviews it and brings it to the Planning Commission. The Commission holds a public hearing to gather input and decide whether to approve, deny, or approve the project with conditions.

This process ensures new development fits the surrounding area and supports Juneau’s community goals.

As of November 2025, Goldbelt is in the CUP process for its current project in Juneau.