The new Gustavus dock is now open for business.
The old dock built originally in 1929 was funded by the Alaska Road Commission but was nothing more than a raised platform out in the middle of the Icy Passage surrounded on all 4 sides by water. The “platform” or “dock” as it was more commonly called had no connection to dry land. In 1933 funded by the Federal Relief Project “the approach” as it was called was built and provided a very convenient means of walking or driving to the original platform. It has served the Gustavus Alaska community well for many years.
In June 2009, funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, commonly known as the stimulus bill, the new dock was started. At a cost of 7.7 million dollars, it was the first stimulus-funded project in Alaska. It will undoubtedly bring change to this quiet little town of some odd 400 people. Only time will tell if the change is a welcome one.
Image Source: http://kstk.org/modules/local_news/uploads/Image/Gustavus%20Dock.JPG
