Wrangell, AK Plans Harbor Rebuild Amid Dredging Delays by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wrangell, AK, is set to utilize a $25 million federal grant for downtown harbor reconstruction despite a two-year backlog in dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Borough Manager Mason Villarma noted that congressional appropriations will impact the dredging schedule, while the borough plans to advance harbor upgrades and seek additional funding for initial dredging costs. The project must be finalized by year-end, necessitating environmental reviews to secure the grant agreement.
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Wrangell, AK has a $25 million federal grant for downtown harbor reconstruction, but dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faces a two-year backlog. Borough Manager Mason Villarma indicated that congressional appropriations will influence the dredging schedule.
The borough plans to proceed with harbor upgrades, including replacing floats and installing new pilings, while exploring options for funding initial dredging costs themselves. The project must be obligated by year-end, requiring environmental reviews to finalize a grant agreement.
Dredging is essential due to silt buildup from a local creek, with the last full dredging occurring in the 1970s. The borough will seek additional funding from the state's harbor matching program, while also preparing for necessary environmental reviews.
The harbor grant is part of a larger $1.5 billion program from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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