North Slope Assembly approves $62.5M water-sewer contract with UIC Municipal Services

The North Slope Borough Assembly approved a five-year, $62.5 million contract Tuesday with UIC Municipal Services to operate water and sewer systems in seven villages, continuing a partnership that dates back two decades. The resolution passed 11-0.

The contract covers operations in Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, and Wainwright at $12.5 million annually. The agreement runs from July 2026 through June 2032. For residents already connected to borough systems, the contract ensures continuity of service. For households still waiting for hookups, the approval does not change their timeline.

Point Hope resident Michael Tuzroyluk Jr. testified he has waited years for a water-sewer hookup while paying high electricity bills to run heat trace on his private septic system. "We're out of water" during busy periods like Christmas and whaling season, he said, and the borough does not deliver water on weekends.

Public Works Director said Point Hope hookups have been delayed to 2027 due to material availability. Engineer Holmes reported 86 total hookup applications borough-wide, with the longest wait in Anaktuvuk Pass at 27 applications. Those households continue to bear the costs of maintaining private systems and face service limits until connections are completed.