Port Commission mulls utilizing dredge spoils
After an hour-long work session to discuss the disposition of dredge spoils the Nome Port Commission passed a motion to advise the Nome Common Council to tell the Corps of Engineers what they’d like to do. “The port commission recommends that the city advise the Corps that we will accept the 170,000 cubic yards of dredge material from the Cap 107 dredging project for beneficial use on land in port industrial property West of the Snake River.” The motion passed unanimously.
In citizens’ comments, Howard Farley of Farley Marine told the board his company has purchased a 42-foot crew boat which will be delivered by barge. It was purchased in Astoria, Oregon. “We’ll be able to haul more food and provisions to the tankers and the cruise ships,” said Farley. “It’s going to work good for us. We’re going to christen it and everybody is invited.”
Charlie Lean noted the military will be doing a state-wide drill and will be in Nome to look at facilities ready for use in case of emergency. “Part of the justification for our port is to be able to respond to different types of emergencies,” said Lean. “Nome is being called upon to exercise certain facilities and show we have capabilities.”
In his report Harbormaster Lucas Stotts detailed a number of projects they have already in motion as spring approaches and Public Works will assist in clearing the causeway of snow so that it can dry out. Drainage is an issue on the causeway. “We’ll be working with Public works to get all the snow off the causeway road as wells as off the dock faces,” he said. This helps the ground to thaw faster, facilitating the planned repair to the dock. The upper pad will be cleared of items stored there so the pad can be built up where it needs filling. This includes the rows of containers.
The GARCO building at the port pad, surrounded by parked gold dredges, is full and Stotts wants to clear it out. Also, they are making plans to repair the building in-house or perhaps identify another use for the building. “We need to get a hand on the condition of the building and what we can repair,” he said.
New causeway gates will be constructed, also in house. More safety ladders are needed on the floating docks so that there is one on each side of each float and one on each end. The U.S. Coast Guard has notified the port that there needs to be a flashing, rotating red light on the causeway to warn the public in the event of a potential hazard. “The regulations say there needs to be a light,” said Stotts. “In my 37 years of emergency services I have come to find out that if you have a flashing red light people are going to follow,” said Jim West Jr. “They won’t stay out, they’ll follow. To see what’s going on.”
In commissioners comments it was noted that the barge ramp will be closed from July through September. “That’s going to give us enough notice for everybody to get launched and stay launched,” said Jim West Jr.
Gay Sheffield reported that according to the Barents Observer five nuclear power plants on barges are being moved to Chukotka where they will supply power for mining operations.
“The port is moving along,” said Commissioner Charlie Lean. “I too am happy about the ramp project going through.” Commissioner Scot Henderson said he’s always encouraged when he hears about local businesses reinvesting. “I think Howard Farley’s new boat is very cool,” said Henderson. “Especially with how tough things have been going this past year.” He asked if once the ramp is repaired whether there will be new measures to make the ramp last longer.
Jim West Jr. commented that it’s necessary to clear away the haul out on the East side so it can be utilized during the construction of the ramp.