Unalaska council awards $21.9 million contract to replace Storrs Harbor floats

Unalaska will replace the deteriorating A and B floats at the Robert Storrs International Small Boat Harbor under a $21,941,662 contract the Unalaska City Council awarded Tuesday, Sept. 8. Acting City Manager Marjie Veeder warned in the council packet that the harbor may have to close if the work is not done: "Due to Council’s stated support for this project, and the likely need to close the harbor in the near future if this project is not carried out, I recommend adoption of Resolution 2026-55 and the construction of the project."

The harbor holds 71 slips across 1,232 linear feet of floats and serves vessels up to 60 feet. Work covers demolition of the existing floats, new piles, a gangway, a restroom, and upgraded electrical, water and fire suppression systems.

Western Marine Construction Inc. submitted the low bid when bids were opened Aug. 4, following an invitation to bid published June 12. The agreement requires substantial completion by July 1, 2028, and final completion by Aug. 1, 2028.

The total recommended construction budget is about $25.25 million. The council's FY27 Budget Amendment No. 4 appropriated roughly $10.6 million to the Ports and Harbors Capital Project Fund. Veeder reported the city has applied for about $5 million through the State of Alaska Harbor Facility Grant Program and up to $1 million from the Denali Commission, and is applying a $125,000 state legislative grant to the project.

No comments from harbor users appear in the meeting record, though demolition and construction are expected to constrain moorage. The project is one of several across Alaska's coastal communities replacing aging harbor infrastructure under local funding and federal environmental review.

The council also adopted Resolution 2026-56, authorizing an agreement with LCG Lantech Inc. for an aquatics center feasibility study weighing renovation, reconstruction or relocation. The study authorizes no construction.