News Release Manager

Corps seeking public comment on Apoon study

USACE - Alaska District
Published July 30, 2021
Updated: July 30, 2021

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District prepared a draft disposition study and environmental assessment on the Apoon Mouth of the Yukon River historical project.

The study’s focus is on whether federal interest exists to retain the project for its authorized purpose of commercial navigation and, if not, to determine whether the project should be deauthorized. There are no government-owned properties or improvements associated with this project, therefore disposal efforts are not necessary.

The purpose of the Apoon Mouth of the Yukon River project was to facilitate economic activity and the transport of goods into the Interior. Dredging through shoals and easing sharp bends in Apoon Pass enabled steamboats carrying supplies shipped from St. Michael to navigate the Yukon Delta. The river channel was completed in 1914. Following the widening of a bend near the Pastolik River’s mouth in 1915, no further work has been performed or planned for this project.

Transport modernization mostly eliminated the need to navigate up the mouth of the Yukon to supply communities in the Interior. If deauthorization is recommended, then Congressional action is required.

The report will be available for 30 days until August 31. It may be viewed on the Alaska District’s website at: http://www.poa.usace.army.mil/Library/Reports-and-Studies/. On that webpage, look under “Documents Available for Public Review” and expand the Civil Works link.

Comments may be submitted to the address below or via email to: David.P.Williams@usace.army.mil.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District

ATTN: CEPOA-PM-C-PL

Post Office Box 6898

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska 99506-0898

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Contact
John Budnik
907-753-2615
public.affairs3@usace.army.mil

Release no. 21-013