Huna Totem and AJT Mining Properties to
Improve Waterfront near Áak’w Landing Development
JUNEAU, Alaska — March 14, 2025 — In a groundbreaking collaboration set to transform
Juneau’s waterfront, Huna Totem Corporation (HTC) and AJT Mining Properties, Inc. (AJT)
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) addressing waterfront
improvements on AJT’s property near HTC’s highly anticipated Áak’w Landing project. This
agreement underscores a shared commitment to revitalizing the area while boosting
public safety and sustainability.
As part of this forward-thinking partnership, HTC would remove AJT’s aging dock during
Áak’w Landing construction, making way for a more vibrant and accessible waterfront.
“This agreement with AJT sets the stage for ongoing planning and coordination as we work
together to create a premiere waterfront experience where residents and visitors will
gather for years to come,” said Russell Dick, President and CEO of HTC. “By working
together, we are reimagining a downtown that is safer, more accessible, and a true
reflection of Juneau’s cultural and economic vitality.”
As Áak’w Landing will be constructed with shore power capability, both organizations are
actively evaluating necessary steps to provide clean energy to cruise ships in the future,
which aligns with Juneau’s ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and preserving its
natural beauty.
“We appreciate our partnership with HTC,” said Alec Mesdag, President of AEL&P and AJT
Mining Properties. “Their investment in adjacent properties makes the area safer and
creates opportunities for future seawalk extension.”
Beyond infrastructure improvements, Áak’w Landing will offer year-round public use for
events and cultural education. As a tribute to the region’s rich heritage, two totem poles
from Sealaska Heritage’s Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) will be incorporated into the
site, reflecting the cultural significance of the area, and honoring Juneau’s Tlingit heritage.
The development, set for completion in 2027, will also play a critical role in reducing
downtown congestion and environmental impact. By eliminating thousands of buses
along Marine Way and Franklin Street, and significantly reducing the need for lightering
vessels, the project will help cut emissions while improving safety in the harbor. Cruise
ships at anchor will drop from 60-80 vessels annually to nearly zero, reducing ship
emissions and representing a major step forward in sustainable tourism.
This partnership between HTC and AJT is more than just an MOU, it’s a bold step toward a
more vibrant, sustainable, and culturally enriched future for Juneau’s waterfront.
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About Huna Totem Corporation
Formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), Huna Totem
Corporation (HTC) represents more than 1,600 Alaska Native shareholders with indigenous
ties to Glacier Bay and the community of Hoonah, Alaska. Since opening Icy Strait Point in
2004, it has welcomed over two million cruise travelers and is the single largest employer in
the community of Hoonah. HTC’s port model is globally recognized and has received
numerous awards, including Seatrade’s Global Port of the Year in 2020, and is #11 on the
New York Times 2022 Top 52 Places for a Changed World. In addition to tourism, HTC
maintains operations in federal contracting, natural resources, and commercial real estate.
To learn more, visit www.hunatotem.com.
About AJT Mining Properties, Inc.
AJT Mining Properties, Inc. (AJT) is the holding company created when Alaska Electric Light
and Power Co. (AELP) purchased AJ Industries in the 1970’s. AELP’s purchase of AJ
Industries granted AELP ownership of the Annex and Salmon Creek hydroelectric facilities,
as well as hundreds of acres of mining properties. The mining properties that do not
contribute to utility operations are owned by AJT, and included with these properties are
the tidelands and old fuel dock near the Áak’w Landing site.