ARRC Issues RFQ to Replace Seward Terminal
Written by Andrew Corselli
Seward Passenger Terminal. Photo via: http://www.railportseward.com/
In taking the next step “in pursuing a public-private partnership to develop the rail-marine terminal in Seward into the southcentral tourism industry’s lynchpin infrastructure,” the Alaska Railroad (ARRC) recently began advertising a Request for Qualification (RFQ).
The RFQ asks interested parties to describe their capabilities and concepts for replacing an aging passenger dock and cruise terminal facilities in Seward. ARRC said it plans to identify potential partner(s) by the end of 2019, and to negotiate project details in 2020.
The Seward Cruise Terminal Replacement project stems from an extensive Seward Marine Terminal Expansion Planning project (a.k.a. Railport Seward) in 2016-2017. The effort resulted in a master plan for developing the railroad’s Seward Reserve, including docks, terminal facilities and uplands.
ARRC’s passenger dock “is nearing the end of its useful life, and must be replaced.” The railroad is seeking a private sector operator or consortium partner to design and construct a replacement dock, and to develop terminal facilities to accommodate anticipated cruise traffic for decades to come. The railroad is also open to developing terminal uplands for expanded operations and to foster economic opportunities.
