Nome City Council Talks Mining Laws, Property Abatements

Heated words on mining and property abatements were exchanged during what Mayor Richard Beneville called a “productive” Nome City Council meeting Monday night. The Council also addressed a possible resolution on public intoxication and vagrancy on Front Street.

U.S. Army Corps Gives Update on Deep-Draft Port Study

According to the Corps, a final feasibility study for public comment will be ready in early 2019.

City Council Passes FY 2019 Budgets; Deficit is Projected at $1.6 Million

The six present councilmen voted unanimously last night to approve the amended general fund budget as well as the other six fiscal year 2019 City budgets. Those include funds to renovate the Anvil City Science Academy bathrooms, upgrade some of the City’s boilers, and adopt the Port of Nome’s $1,762,969.00 budget.

Environmental Concerns Are Cited in Opposition to Mining Projects Like ‘Rivers of Gold’

Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC), Kawerak Inc., and Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) released a joint statement opposing large placer mining in Safety Sound, the Bonanza Channel, and Golovnin Lagoon. ADEC is waiting on more information and data from the mining company, and until that is received, Rivers of Gold is not allowed to operate or discharge in U.S. waters.

Nome Port Commission Discusses Coast Guard’s Gold Dredge Regulations

Gold miners hoping for a radical change to regulations may be disappointed by the conversation from last week’s meeting of the Nome Port Commission.

Council Unanimously in Favor of Port Tariffs and Regulations, Despite Debate Over Rate Effects on Users

Councilman Gerald Brown said that he understood why Sitnasuak would be in favor of this ordinance, and if passed without changes, it (the ordinance) could be seen as limiting other business in Nome’s waters. Ukallaysaaq Tom Okleasik said he wouldn’t characterize the situation like that and reiterated his view that this tariff ordinance would encourage investments in the local economy and boost onshore infrastructure.

Nome Deep-Draft Port Back on the Table

More than two years since it shelved the project, the US Army Corps of Engineers will take a new look at a port expansion in Nome and split the cost with the City.

Nome Port Commission Seeks To Expedite Impound Process

Frustrated with vessel owners who put off paying fees to the last minute, officials at the Port of Nome discussed changing the city’s impound process at Thursday night’s regular Port Commission meeting.

Nome Port Commission Approves Capital Improvements Plan, Reviews Deep Draft Port Designs

The Nome Port Commission voted last night to approve a Capital Improvements Plan and considered several designs for a deep draft port.

Security Cameras Installed at Port of Nome

Twenty-one security cameras were installed across the Port of Nome, small boat harbor, and industrial pad.