Goldbelt Aaní translates to “Goldbelt’s Land”—a name chosen intentionally to reflect our deep connection to place, people, and purpose.

Rooted in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), the 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 more than 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 also 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. 

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.

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 ANCSA, Goldbelt was allotted more than 32,000 acres of 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 shareholders—all of whom are tribal citizens, many of whom still reside in Juneau. ANCSA land is not developed to enrich an individual or singular business interest, but to advance the long-term well-being of its Alaska Native shareholders.

• 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 a 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.

• Goldbelt is commissioning a full traffic study to analyze potential impacts on North Douglas Highway. Results will be shared to help ensure minimal disruption and to inform traffic measures that prioritize the safety of pedestrians and all who use the road system from the North Douglas Boat Ramp to False Outer Point.
•  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. 

Goldbelt and its development team are taking a holistic approach to design and development. This includes a complete wastewater and water treatment system to meet the needs of the port without straining existing infrastructure.

Yes. The proposed port location is in close proximity to AEL&P’s high-voltage lines extending to Greens Creek Mine.

Due to the location of the berths and the existing power transfer station, Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port is one of the most viable options for expanding shore power access for ships arriving in Juneau. 

No. However, Royal Caribbean Group has expressed strong interest in being the port’s primary user once construction is complete. Additional potential customers may be announced closer to opening.

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.

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 generate additional property and sales tax revenue.

Cruise lines are required to pay the state head tax per guest arriving at the first five ports of call in Alaska. This requirement applies to both public and private ports. Under 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 provide opportunities for local tour operators. Through thoughtful design and development, Goldbelt aims to lower barriers to entry for operators and retailers. 

By creating a purpose-built facility, operators can serve guests while reducing impacts on city infrastructure and the natural environment. 

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allows for certain types of development that are not automatically permitted within a zoning district but may be appropriate under specific conditions.

In Juneau, applicants submit a CUP proposal to the Community Development Department. The proposal is reviewed and presented to the Planning Commission, which holds a public hearing to gather input and determine whether to approve, deny, or approve the project with conditions.

 This process helps ensure that new development aligns with surrounding uses and supports community goals.

 As of February 2026, Goldbelt is in the CUP process for this project.

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 regarding the project’s overall vision and location, other aspects remain open for public input—particularly those related to infrastructure, community amenities, and elements subject to public processes.

Goldbelt will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the project and address community concerns.