JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON -- JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District provided the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities with a signed Department of Army permit on Thursday, which authorizes construction of a new 18.9-mile-long road.
"With the 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is fulfilling its Congressionally-mandated permitting responsibilities efficiently, accelerating delivery of critical infrastructure nationwide," said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle. "The King Cove Road permit approval reflects President Trump's vision for a more efficient nation - cutting unneeded red tape and overhauling our regulatory process, to provide fast, clear, and consistent decisions that implement our regulatory authorities just as Congress intended. We are able to help projects like this move forward with regulatory certainty, and provide the people of Alaska with the safe, reliable access they deserve."
Owned by the King Cove Corporation, the single-lane, unpaved road will connect existing roads from the community of King Cove to the existing road system and to the all-weather airport at Cold Bay. The proposed road will be 13-feet-wide at the surface and 24-feet-wide subgrade with 113 vehicle turnout spaces. The proposed project will discharge and mitigate not more than 40,000 cubic yards of gravel and riprap fill material in compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
The proposed discharges will occur in 4.58 acres of wetlands and .70-acres of stream channels. About 85 drainage culverts and one bridge will be installed.
"The people of King Cove have advocated for a road for over 50 years," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "This project is about more than just infrastructure - it is about saving lives, increasing subsistence opportunities, connecting communities, and addressing the essential needs of residents while supporting sustainable economic opportunities and wildlife refuges. Under President Trump, the Department of the Interior remains dedicated to advocating for projects that are supported by the local communities, improve quality of life, expand opportunity and build a stronger future for all."
“This is a historic day for the people of King Cove and the people of Alaska,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I want to thank President Trump and his administration for putting the people of Alaska first and allowing this road to become a reality.”
USACE Regulatory Program evaluates permit applications for most construction activities in wetlands and waterways of the U.S. Under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, a permit is required for work or structures in, over or under navigable waters of the U.S. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, a permit is required for the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters of the U.S., including wetlands.
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