For further development in our area, three factors play a key role:
1. Access
There has to be a way to get products to market possibilities include; a road that connects the mineral-rich area around Ambler with the Dalton Highway, a road from the Upper Kobuk area to a new Arctic port at Cape Blossom, and a road from Kotzebue to the proposed port site.
2. Affordable Energy
The high cost of energy can be a limiting factor on future development. Several projects could reduce the cost of energy including; the Cosmos Hills Hydro Project, a large hydro project in the Upper Kobuk area, developing natural gas in the Kotzebue area, bulk fuel storage and purchases, and increasing the use of renewable energy to reduce energy costs and make projects affordable.
3. Local Support for Resource Development
The success of the Red Dog mine has made locals more supportive of development in the area. However, development must be mutually beneficial. Locals expect jobs, reduced energy costs, protection of local game and fish stocks for subsistence use, and the infrastructure needed to adequately support development. We are willing to work cooperatively with industry.
Project Updates
Listed are current Northern Region projects that the Borough is monitoring at the state, federal and local level.
The following projects are a coordinated effort between the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and can be found at the Alaska website at www.dot.alaska.gov/nreg:
- Noatak Airport Relocation
- Kiana Airport Improvements
- Kivalina Evacuation & School Site Access Road
- Kotzebue to Cape Blossom Road
The Alaska Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is the state’s four-year program for transportation system preservation and development. It includes interstate, state and some local highways, bridges, ferries and public transportation. The STIP doesn’t include airports or non-ferry-related ports and harbors. It covers all system improvements for which partial or full federal funding is approved and that are expected to take place during the four-year duration of the STIP. The following projects are listed in the STIP and can be found on the following website, www.dot.alaska.gov/stwdping/cip/stip/index.shtml:
- Kivalina Evacuation & School Site Access Road & Bridge-FY19 $200,000;
- Kivalina Evacuation & School Site Access Road Kivalina Lagoon to Kisimiguiuqtug-Hill FY19 $30,050,000;
- Kotzebue Cape Blossom Road-FY19 $25,500,000;
- Selawik Barge Landing Access Road & Boardwalk Improvements-FY19 $338,756; FY20 $4,800,000;
- Selawik Footbridge Rehabilitation-FY19 $1,100,000
ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT & EXPORT AUTHORITY (AIDEA)
Ambler Mining District Access Project: AIDEA is proposing to build the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project (AMDIAP), a limited-access industrial road starting at the Dalton Highway and ending at the Ambler Mining District. This road would provide access to the mineral rich Ambler mining district. The project is beginning the BLM scoping and permitting process. The draft of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has also been issued. Project information can be found at www.ambleraccess.org
Trilogy Metals INC is the company that is working on exploring and developing its sizable holdings in the Ambler Mining District in Alaska. The most advanced projects in this prospective district are Arctic and Bornite which are copper deposits. For more information on Trilogy Metals Inc., you can visit their website at www.trilogymetals.com.
TECK has begun underground exploration on state lands to find additional zinc ore body discoveries. Any new discoveries will help extend the mine life of the Red Dog operation at Anarraaq and Aktigiruq. Teck is in the early stages of target development, initial and follow-up drill testing.
The Borough will continue to keep you updated on these important projects in our region.
