The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District and the City of Nome signed an agreement yesterday (Jan. 25) that will advance the construction of the first deep-water port in the Arctic, which has a price tag of over $600 million. 

January 26, 2024

Ava White, News Reporter

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a signing ceremony in the city for the Project Partnership Announcement, or PPA, which binds the federal and state governments to commit to the project. That’s according to a press release from Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

The project was awarded $250 million through the bipartisan infrastructure law, according to the release. 

Murkowski said in the release the award allows the first phase of the Port of Nome’s construction to begin. She said she urges the President to “request all remaining construction funds needed to complete this pivotal project in his upcoming FY 2025 budget.”

Sen. Sullivan said the cost-share relieves the City of Nome and State of Alaska of about $140 million.

As the first deep-water port in the Arctic, Sullivan said in the press release it would “play a critical role ensuring the United States is a leader in the Arctic region in terms of national security, international trade, and geopolitical influence.”

Rep. Mary Peltola shared a similar sentiment in the release, saying it makes opportunities for “more and larger vessels, which can help lower the cost of living, provide a base for search and rescue operation, and create jobs in the region.”

Nome Mayor John Handeland called the partnership “a historic moment for America.”

Construction for the port is set to begin Summer 2025.

_{Photo at top: Commander of the Alaska District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Col. Jeffrey Palazzini, sits beside Nome Mayor John Handeland as they sign the PPA expansion. (Courtesy of Sen. Murkowski’s office) Editors note: this story previously stated the incorrect timing of port constuction}