Arctic port in Alaska to be expanded

By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas Correspondent

The US Army Corps of Engineers reports that a regional port improvement project in the state of Alaska is expected to be funded to completion during the 2021 fiscal year.

The Corps of Engineers, a specialized, advanced engineering formation of the US Army, is a key player in civil works projects for states across the country.

A press release, dated January 19, 2021, notes that the project to improve the Port of Nome has a valuation of $618 million.

“I greatly appreciate the additional funding to put toward water-related infrastructure to support the national economy, public safety and environmental health of this great nation during an unprecedented time,” said RD James, the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, in the same press release.

The Port of Nome is essential

According to the Alaska Journal of Commerce, the intention to improve and expand the Port of Nome is to offer arctic shipping convoys an option for refuel and necessary repairs. The port is also a crucial component of Nome’s economy.

Since the city of over 3,000 people has no roads connecting the higher populated areas in the Southern part of the state, air and sea are the only viable transit avenues to transport goods, services, and people into the region.

Nome is also the economic hub of the Alaskan northwestern arctic tundra communities. Shipping, nonetheless, is a major economic generator.

Political build-up

Experts conducted the Port of Nome Modification Feasibility Study to justify the upgrade and to offer similar recommendations for improvements to maritime facilities along Alaska’s underdeveloped western coast. In May of 2020, the congressional delegation for the state of Alaska hinted that the Port of Nome improvement project was progressing successfully.

“I’ve long advocated for a system of ports to support the increasing ship traffic in the Arctic, provide greater accessibility for Arctic communities, and help Alaska and our nation to develop a strong presence in the Arctic region,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ak. Murkowski, and her colleagues, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young, also both Republicans, released joint statements as a reaction to the news of the Army Corps of Engineers finalizing the mentioned Port of Nome Modification Feasibility Study at the time.

Port improvement projects in the arctic communities of Alaska are expected to continue with the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.