In the same week the Port of Nome took a multi-million dollar reduction in state funding, leaders from across the country met Friday for an “Investment Summit” to discuss the future of the western Alaska hub. Senator Lisa Murkowski sat in the front row for the first half of the day as speakers took turns sharing their vision for the region.
The longtime Alaska Senator began her speech with some crowd work.
“You hear it all the time, but there really is no place like Nome and it is special. It is special in many, many, many ways,” Murkowski began.
She acknowledged that her mother was born in Nome and shared stories of her family’s time in the community. After a quick glance at her notes, she pivoted to the purpose of the meeting.
“But enough about history. Let's talk about the future, because that's what really is bringing us all here together,” Murkowski said.
Nome’s future is a bit uncertain. For over a decade, the city has sought to deepen and expand its port to improve its capabilities and efficiency. Once complete, it would allow for Coast Guard vessels and large cruise ships to dock in the port.
It has the potential to unlock a new wave of investment and economic growth, but the over half a billion dollar project needs more money.
Just days before the meeting, the Alaska State Senate stripped $10 million promised for the project, potentially leaving the city on the hook to make up the difference.
Last fall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cancelled contract solicitations for the project after fielding bids that were above its statutory limitations.
Waiting game
The city isn’t alone in waiting for the expanded port to open. Companies like Graphite One plan to ship millions of tons of graphite through the port. The critical mineral is used in electric car batteries and has — for now — avoided tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
The Canadian company recently announced plans to triple its production targets. The city’s Port Director, Joy Baker, said at the meeting she was confident the port will be ready for the increased output.
“We do have a flourishing relationship with Graphite One, and intend to provide that export capacity for their increased volumes,” Baker said.
Nome’s unique location just south of the Arctic Circle and near the Bering Strait is sparking interest from the military too. As annual sea ice continues to retreat further north due to climate change, cargo shipping and military activity has doubled in the last decade.
“Anyone that is skeptical about whether the traffic is growing, the numbers don't lie,” Baker said.
Baker acknowledged that the Coast Guard’s closest port to the Arctic is in Dutch Harbor, too far to rapidly respond to threats or monitor commercial vessels. She said Nome’s northern location makes it a great spot for the Coast Guard to add a base in the future.
“The only way we can do that is to improve logistics that enable the operational presence, effectiveness and efficiency,” Baker said.
After failing to receive bids within budget last fall, the city and Corps simplified their plans for the first phase of the project and sent it back out to bid this spring. Baker said they hope to select a contractor and move forward with construction next summer.
