Aleutians East Borough seeks contractor bids for repairs to the closed Cold Bay Dock

The Aleutians East Borough asked contractors Thursday for qualifications and pricing to repair the Cold Bay Dock. Proposals are due by 3 pm Nov. 6.

The borough owns the dock, and the City of Cold Bay runs it. The dock supports Alaska Marine Highway service, fuel for the community and airport, and freight, according to a borough projects summary. The city closed it Aug. 24, citing "significant structural problems with the causeway," the roadway connecting the dock to shore, with no timeline for reopening. The repair posting does not mention the causeway.

The selected contractor would supply all labor, equipment, materials, transportation and marine equipment for repairs shown in preliminary drawings by PND Engineers. The borough plans to finalize the design with the contractor's input.

The state repaired the dock in 2015 for about $1.5 million. After 2020 damage, the borough hired West Marine Construction in 2021 for $286,785 in repairs.

An April 2023 feasibility study recommended replacing the dock. In October 2023 the state received a $43.3 million federal port grant for a new dock, with completion projected for 2030, according to the borough's FY2025 annual report.

RFP documents are available from the borough.