St. Paul schedules two open houses on harbor improvement plans

St. Paul has received more than $15 million in federal grants to renovate the aging harbor on St. Paul Island, funding meant to increase safety and capacity at one of the Pribilof Islands' few maritime access points.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration awarded the city a $4.05 million BUILD grant toward a total project cost of $4.3 million, covering harbor and waterfront planning from spring 2026 through summer 2030. Separately, the Port Infrastructure Development Program awarded $11 million for South Dock renovation, including new fenders, upgraded hardware and safety equipment, and mooring dolphins connected by a catwalk. The city had requested a nearly identical amount in its fiscal year 2024 grant application and said it could contribute a 6% non-federal cost share.

City officials say the project is meant to modernize and stabilize maritime infrastructure to handle increased vessel activity and severe weather. Planning materials describe inadequate mooring, unsafe and deteriorating dock infrastructure, and limited access during adverse weather, when vessel operators have difficulty reaching docks and unloading safely.

The work includes two interrelated components: renovating South Dock and building new berthing dolphins, and upgrading South Dock utilities, realigning Harbor Road, renovating and expanding the North Docks and Piers, and building a new or relocated harbormaster office. The city is partnering with PND Engineers on the design.

Ahead of finalizing those designs, the city held two public open houses at a community hall on St. Paul Island on Oct. 2 and 3, gathering input on harbor priorities the first day and presenting draft conceptual plans the second. Winter 2026-2027 milestones include determining the level of environmental review required under the National Environmental Policy Act, resolving right-of-way, easement and patent questions, reaching 35% design, and completing a preliminary cost estimate and draft benefit-cost analysis.