Homer Electric wins state OK for undersea fiber across Kachemak Bay

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources approved Homer Electric Association's request to convert a private fiber optic easement across Kachemak Bay into an indefinite public utility easement, clearing a state land authorization for a permanent Kachemak Bay segment of the Nome to Homer Express Middle Mile Network, a 700-mile subsea and terrestrial fiber backbone designed to provide middle-mile broadband infrastructure for coastal and Western Alaska communities.

The decision on ADL 228050, issued June 10, 2026 by the Division of Mining, Land and Water, converts an existing private non-exclusive easement to an indefinite public utility easement and requires Homer Electric to pay $8,711.81 plus a $240 amendment fee. The approval becomes final 20 days after the June 10 signature unless appealed to the DNR commissioner.

The decision affects lands and submerged lands managed by DNR along the route between Homer Spit and McKeon Flats. Homer Electric first ran an undersea power cable across Kachemak Bay in 1975 to serve remote South Kachemak Bay communities including Seldovia, Port Graham, and Nanwalek, replacing it in 2001. The fiber segment approved in the June 10 decision follows that established utility corridor.

The conversion is authorized under Director's Policy File 2020-03, issued June 1, 2020, which allows entities providing high-speed internet, phone, and data services to be treated as public utilities. Annalee Sims is the point of contact for inquiries regarding the decision.

The bay is designated as the Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area, which protects fish and wildlife habitat while allowing compatible uses including commercial fishing and certain infrastructure projects subject to state review.

Eligible parties may appeal the decision to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources commissioner within 20 days of issuance, subject to a $200 appeal fee.