Kenai Bluffs Bank Stabilization Feasibility Study
During the week of May 13, the Alaska District hosted Maj. Gen. Scott Spellmon, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, and James Dalton, director of Civil Works, to showcase the unique Civil Works and Regulatory projects the Corps is working on across Alaska. The General traveled about 2,500 miles within the state, and gained an appreciation for its expansiveness and the logistical challenges the district team faces when operating in remote Arctic locations. Spellmon and his traveling party toured the Alpine oil and gas fields on the North Slope where the Corps regularly permits industry development. Later on, he visited Utqiavik, also known as Barrow, where the Corps is working on a feasibility report that examines federal participation regarding the need for coastal storm risk management addressing erosion and flooding in the community. The general was briefed on the district’s Port of Nome Draft Modification Feasibility Report, currently out for public comment, during his visit to the City of Nome. The community has been designated as the most economically feasible site for a deep-draft port in order to support economic and national security interests in a fast-changing Arctic environment. On his last day in Alaska, Spellmon toured the Homer and Ninilchik Boat Harbors providing him with a look at the district’s operations and maintenance dredging efforts and the site of the district's Kenai Bluffs Bank Stabilization Feasibility Study in Kenai. The entire visit provided the dignitaries insight into the past, present and future Civil Works and Regulatory project portfolio.