Petersburg AK (Mitkof Island) is close to passing a new fee for cruise passengers visiting the borough.
It is based on a similar charge for passengers in Juneau, which prompted a lawsuit from the cruise industry.
Some of the cruise lines that stop in Petersburg aren't opposed to the idea but want to see changes.
As drafted, the ordinance would have the borough billing companies based on their passenger manifest, each time a vessel docks in Petersburg harbors.
The new fee would be US$5 per passenger per visit. It will not be charged to ships bringing fewer than 20 passengers or those with no overnight accommodations.
During the 2nd reading of an ordinance to create the fee, the Assembly agreed to change its name: it will now be named marine infrastructure fee, instead of marine passenger fee.
Assembly members wish to use money from the new fee for infrastructure projects which help cruise boats or their travelers.
As drafted it will take effect in January next year.