Concept plan in place for Port of Anchorage modernization project

Mayor Dan Sullivan of Anchorage, Alaska, and Anchorage Port Modernization Project (APMP) team members recently presented the project's concept plan to the Anchorage Assembly.

The port's three terminals have surpassed their useful life and are at risk of major damage if a major earthquake occurs. The APMP calls for replacing two terminals, improving seismic resilience, replacing obsolete infrastructure and incorporating modern technologies at the Port of Anchorage, which is served by the Alaska Railroad Corp.

A port stakeholder group had identified three concepts that met the requirements of technical experts and port users. In early November, an APMP Concept Evaluation Committee selected the most suitable option and recommended a project path to Sullivan.

More than 50 people representing port users, vessel operators, technical and subject matter experts, and port and local leaders participated in the planning effort, including a program management consultant team led by CH2M HILL, which is providing project management, environmental, permitting and construction management services for the project.

"This port infrastructure is critical to the state. Uniquely, there is no other port in Alaska more capable, centrally located or affordable for shippers and consumers," said Sullivan in a press release. "Alaska needs to invest in modernizing this port to ensure dependable cargo service for south-central Alaska and beyond for upwards of 75 years."