Aleutians East Borough seeks contractors to repair Cold Bay Dock, closed since August

The Aleutians East Borough asked contractors Thursday for qualifications and pricing to repair the Cold Bay Dock, which has been closed since August. Proposals are due Nov. 6.

The dock is the only fuel source for Cold Bay and its airport. It also serves the Alaska Marine Highway and is an important way to get freight to town, according to a borough projects summary. The City of Cold Bay closed it Aug. 24, citing "significant structural problems with the causeway," and gave no estimated timeline for reopening. The borough owns the dock, and the city runs it.

Alaska News reported Sept. 14 that ferry notices limited vehicle weights, axle loads and mooring at the dock because of pile damage.

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 dock was built in 1978, and a newer section was added in 1993. The state repaired it in 2015 for about $1.5 million. After damage in 2020, the borough hired West Marine Construction in 2021 for $286,785 in repairs.

A 2023 feasibility study by Moffatt & Nichol recommended replacing the dock. "As the existing structure continues to age and deteriorate, it becomes more likely that damage will occur that will interrupt critical services to the community of Cold Bay and the region," the borough's summary of the study said. The state won a $43.3 million federal port grant for a new dock in October 2023 and has hired PND Engineers to design it. The borough's latest annual report projects completion in 2030.