Federal grant puts $18.2 million toward Seppala Drive rebuild in Nome

Nome's long-planned rebuild of Seppala Drive now has $18.2 million in federal highway money committed, after the Federal Highway Administration obligated $17.9 million on Sept. 18, according to federal award records. The formula grant, money allocated to states by law, goes to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and runs through April 30, 2029.

The money is for realigning and rehabilitating the road. Work includes pavement, roadside hardware such as guardrails, drainage, intersections, disability-access upgrades and utilities. The department's project page describes about 1.3 miles between Bering Street and Airport Terminal Road. It lists a sinkhole repair near F Street and slope protection along the Snake River.

Seppala Drive has appeared in state transportation plans since at least 2012. The 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program lists the project at $23.3 million.

Derek McLarty told a Nome Joint Utility System board meeting Sept. 23 that the project was scheduled to go out to bid in October, and that the water line along Seppala Drive was expected to be replaced next summer.