Army Corps of Engineers awards contract for Port of Nome Modification Project

Army Corps of Engineers awards contract for Port of Nome Modification Project
Nome, Alaska –The Army Corps of Engineers awarded Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. a $399.4 million construction contract to extend the Port of Nome 1,200 feet, known as Phase 1A of the Port of Nome Modification Project.  The Port of Nome is poised to become the nation’s first Arctic deep-draft port, as national security and Arctic geopolitics demand investment in the region. The Port of Nome is an economic pillar, advancing and supporting scientific research, national security, fisheries, maritime safety, and tourism in the United States Arctic. 
“It has been a very long process, decades, literally. There were many skeptics who said, “It will never happen.” At long last, the project is starting. My predecessor, Mayor Richard Beneville, is dancing on the streets of heaven,” said Mayor John Handeland. “We appreciate the relentlessness and support of the Alaska Congressional Delegation and the Alaska State Legislature –including the late Senator Ted Stevens, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, the late Representative Don Young, Representative Mary Pelota, Representative Nick Begich, Governor Dunleavy, Governor Walker and Governor Parnell. This is a victory for Alaska and our nation.” 
The Port of Nome will serve as the export site for the Graphite One mine, located on the north side of the Kigluwait Mountains. The Department of Defense awarded Graphite One a $37.5 million grant to develop the graphite mine site under the Defense Production Act.  On March 20, 2025, President Trump enacted an Executive Order, “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production” to develop the domestic critical minerals supply." 
The Port of Nome serves as a transshipment and maritime hub for the Bering Strait region and serves over 60 communities across western and northern Alaska. Services at the port include community resupply of fuel, vehicles, and equipment; commercial and subsistence fisheries; subsistence hunters; regional construction; environmental/oil spill response; search and rescue; scientific research; and tourism. 
“In-water construction is expected to start in the summer of 2026, with completion projected for 2029, although we are hoping the contractor can beat that timeline to some degree,” said Joy Baker, Port Director. “Phase 2, will dredge the new and existing basins and is anticipated to bid in 2026, with work starting in 2027 and running concurrently with Phase 1A construction. We are ready to embark on this great adventure with our project partners, the USACE Alaska District, and Kiewit Infrastructure West, the awarded contractor.”        
Media Contact: Megan Onders, Public Information Officer, City of Nome 907-304-3111