Western Alaska is finally set to get a long-sought piece of infrastructure that proponents say will not only benefit the region’s economy but also emergency preparedness and response and even national security. Via AlaskaJournal
Western Alaska is finally set to get a long-sought piece of infrastructure that proponents say will not only
The $250 million for Nome is part of $940 million allocated by Corps officials to civil works projects across Alaska. While not technically in Arctic waters, Nome has been identified by Corps officials as the most practicable northern location for harboring large vessels in Western Alaska. Nome Port Director Joy Baker wrote via email that the Corps’ announcement is “great news,” and the first phase of work should be at a 95% design level by the end of the year, at which point Corps Alaska District officials could start the process of soliciting bids from construction contractors.
The latest plan — released in draft form in January — calls for roughly doubling the length of the port’s existing west causeway to reach approximately 2,100 feet farther into Norton Sound with a nearly 1,400-foot breakwater to protect harbor entrance from incoming waves. The L-shaped barrier would also hold two new 450-foot and one new 600-foot dock to handle the larger vessels that have started calling on Nome, according to Corps officials.