AK HJR14

Urges Alaska's Congressional delegation to pursue federal infrastructure funding for a deep draft Arctic port in Nome, citing national security concerns, energy supply needs, and reduced shipping distances.

Requests the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities send a letter to Alaska's Congressional delegation supporting the Nome port project.

Requests the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities collaborate with the City of Nome to provide technical support through feasibility and design phases and help develop innovative funding strategies for the city's construction cost share.

Notes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers selected Nome as the preferred site in a 2015 feasibility report and environmental assessment, with preferred design alternative selection scheduled for March 2019.

References prior state appropriations of $1,600,000 each in fiscal years 2017 and 2019 to fund Nome's 50/50 match requirement for Army Corps studies, with potential construction beginning in 2023 or 2024 if Congress authorizes the project in 2020.