The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has awarded Kiewet Construction a $399.4 million contract for the first phase of an expansion project to turn Alaska's Port of Nome into the country's first Arctic deep-draft port.

According to an August 15 release from the USACE, Kiewit — which is based out of Vancouver, Washington — will use funds from the Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build a 1,200-foot causeway extension for the port, with roughly 600 feet of dock face. The next phase of the project will include dredging of the deep and outer basins of the port, to improve access to the Port of Nome's harbor and accommodate larger vessels.

“A robust and efficient transportation hub at Nome is foundational to the long-term viability of surrounding communities in the region,” said ACE Alaska District commander Col. Jeffrey Palazzini. "We are committed to assisting the City of Nome by providing a reliable solution that improves the port’s navigation efficiency."

Currently, ship access to the Port of Nome is limited to vessels with drafts under 18 feet. A deepwater port is expected to open up access for ships moving rare earth minerals, and to provide the U.S. with a critical regional hub for its Arctic supply chain.

The overall expansion project is scheduled to be completed by 2029, with Kiewit's first phase of construction expected to begin sometime in 2026.