Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. has been awarded a $400 million contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for Phase 1 of the Port of Nome Modification Project, an important step towards expanding Arctic maritime capacity. 

Phase 1A will bring about a 1,200-foot causeway extension and a new 600-foot dock face and demolish an existing spur breakwater, laying the foundation for one of the most significant port modifications in the region.

Later phases will increase the depth of the harbor basin from minus 22 feet to minus 40 feet so that extensive use can be made by larger cargo vessels, as well as for research and military purposes. This would convert Nome into the United States’ first deep-draft port in the Arctic, providing greater commercial opportunities as well as higher national security. 

The expected duration of Phase 1A will be through September 2029, while Phase 2 will be ready for bid in 2026. This program is partially funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which reflects federal interest in Arctic preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The project addresses pressing climate adaptation demands. With climate change advancing, shipping routes must be made more usable with the retreat of Arctic ice, and Nome will be in the position of being a potential access point to the Northern Sea Route. Without increased capacity, these delays will restrict the greater benefits of the economy and of emergency responders in a likely future disaster situation. 

Analysts also note that the bigger implications of the project will call for strengthening the northern shipping corridors as a response to national security commitments and economic advancements.

Kiewit is already an important part of the federal infrastructure in Alaska. In 2023, Congress budgeted $200 million for military construction projects throughout Alaska, fueling Kiewit’s presence in military and Arctic development. Kiewit’s profile and national presence have also grown with the notable design-build contract for the replacement of Baltimore’s Key Bridge and several other government construction contracts outside of Alaska.

Local officials in Nome look for long-term advantages for surrounding communities, since cargo at the port is expected to reduce shipping costs and the port is hoped to boost fishing exports. 

Recent U.S.-Russian peace talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Alaska are also interesting in light of the developments in the Port of Nome and its close proximity to the Russian far eastern region of Chukotka.

Arctic tourism and deeper exploration in the Arctic are high on the agenda for officials in the state. Importantly for locals, the construction effort is projected to produce construction jobs and sustainable economic development.