DOT briefs commission on Cape Blossom road and deep-water port; funding remains primary hurdle

Jonathan Hutchinson of the Alaska Department of Transportation updated the Northwest Arctic Borough Community & Economic Development Commission Oct. 11 on Cape Blossom projects, including planning for a road to Cape Blossom and a proposed deep-water port. Hutchinson said the borough has been spearheading the need for the road and port but funding is the biggest barrier to moving the project forward.

Chair Tristen Pattee and several commissioners asked detailed questions about the proposed Deering access road’s alignment — whether it would connect toward the windmill side of town or toward the existing side — and asked the DOT to clarify routing. Commissioner Albie DalleMolle requested a written summary of regional capital projects, and Commissioner Christopher Collins asked whether environmental approvals have expiration dates and how bridge funding is apportioned.

Commissioner Billy Lee noted that Shungnak was not included on the project list and asked about the timing for repairing a building at the airport. Commissioners suggested inviting the Kotzebue Indian Reorganization Act organization to a future meeting if Cape Blossom remains on the agenda.

Hutchinson’s update framed the project as a long-term regional effort requiring coordination among borough, tribal and state entities and additional funding commitments. No formal action was taken on the Cape Blossom update at the Oct. 11 meeting; commissioners requested further information and possible follow-up invitations to tribal stakeholders.