Alaska Dock Build Gets Seal of Approval (Literally)
Published Date: 4/4/2025
Notice
Summary
The Alaska Railroad Corporation wants permission to build a new freight dock in Seward, Alaska, which might accidentally disturb some marine mammals nearby. The National Marine Fisheries Service is asking the public to comment on this plan and a possible one-year extension before making a final decision. Comments are due by May 5, 2025, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Freight dock will be expanded to handle larger vessels
The Alaska Railroad Corporation proposes to extend the existing Seward Freight Dock face by 375 feet and provide a 300-foot usable width, and to widen the existing dock uplands to 300 feet. The project is intended to improve safety, separate pedestrian from heavy freight traffic, preserve intermodal operations for commercial freight customers, accommodate larger vessels, and enhance long-term dock utility.
Year-long construction with defined pile-driving schedule
Pile driving and in-water work are estimated to require approximately 12 months beginning in November 2026, with the IHA period from November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027. The ARRC estimates 155 days of in-water pile driving, 106 days of upland construction, and a maximum of 219 construction days; planned activities include installation of 456 permanent piles, installation/removal of 60 temporary piles, removal of 4 existing piles, and installation/removal of 2,157 H-piles via vibrocompaction.
NMFS seeks public comment on proposed IHA and possible 1-year renewal
The National Marine Fisheries Service is requesting public comments on a proposed incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for the Seward Freight Dock construction and on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal. Comments and information must be received no later than May 5, 2025.
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