The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, in cooperation with its partners, announced yesterday a 12-month pause in the Alaska Deep-Draft Arctic Port System feasibility study to revalidate potential project economic benefits and justification.
The study, which began in December 2011, has proceeded to date under an agreement with the State of Alaska, the cost sharing non-federal sponsor.
Potential port sites were investigated, and the Port of Nome was identified as having the greatest potential for initial Arctic port investment.
A plan was identified for Nome Harbor to extend the existing causeway and deepen the harbor to minus 28-feet Mean Lower Low Water.
During the next 12 months, the Corps and its partners will monitor Arctic activities to determine if there may be the potential for federal interest in continuing the study.
At the end of the pause, the Corps, State of Alaska and city of Nome will assess whether to proceed with the study as is or change the scope of the study to analyze other options.
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