Whittier, Alaska — The City of Whittier has been awarded $4.1 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to support the design, permitting, and final engineering of a full replacement of the DeLong Dock— a critical piece of industrial marine infrastructure in Whittier and a cornerstone of Alaska’s seafood supply chain.
Originally constructed in 1953 by the U.S. Army, the DeLong Dock has reached the end of its usable life. Structural inspections have identified critical corrosion, significant section loss in support piles, outdated fendering systems, and seismic vulnerabilities that would likely result in failure during a major earthquake. The dock no longer meets modern operational or safety standards.
“The DeLong Dock has served this community for decades, but time and use have taken their toll,” said City Manager Jackie C. Wilde. “Investing in its replacement is about safety, reliability, and ensuring Whittier can continue to meet the needs of Alaska for generations to come.”
This funding will complete the final design and permitting needed to move the DeLong Dock replacement into construction.
Project Overview
The DeLong Dock Replacement Project will modernize critical marine infrastructure at an existing industrial site without impacting Whittier’s tourism and beautification areas. Key elements of the proposed design include:
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A new 1,150-foot sheet pile bulkhead creating approximately 2.5 acres of uplands staging area
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A 512-foot primary dock face with modern, energy-absorbing fendering
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A floating dock system to reduce line tending and improve safety during extreme tidal swings
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Expanded moorage, including a 150-foot east face and continued support for the Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) facility
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Upgraded utilities, including stormwater drainage, potable water, electrical service, and high-mast lighting
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Replacement of the existing Dock Manager Building
Economic and Strategic Importance
DeLong Dock supports nearly 17% of the City’s annual operating budget and is essential to the transport of seafood products from Prince William Sound to domestic and global markets. Loss of the dock would result in an estimated $730,000 to $1 million in annual revenue impacts to the City.
The replacement project is expected to:
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Improve vessel safety and operational efficiency through modern fendering and seismic design
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Enable safer traffic flow and reduce worker risk on the dock
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Increase throughput and reliability for freight and fish processing
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Position Whittier to capture growing demand from regional cold storage and air cargo investments, including major developments at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Over the long term, dock-related revenues are expected to increase significantly as capacity and efficiency improve, strengthening the City’s ability to fund essential public services.
Funding and Next Steps
The total project cost for this phase is $4.75 million, with the City of Whittier contributing a $950,000 local match (20%), already identified and reserved in the City’s FY2025–2026 budget. Completion of this phase will allow the City to aggressively pursue construction funding.
Broad Support
The City acknowledges the strong support for this project from Alaska’s federal delegation, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Representative Nick Begich. Additional support was provided by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Alaska Marine Lines, Chugach Alaska Corporation, Chugach School District, Prince William Sound Economic Development District, Alaska Municipal League, and Huna Totem Corporation.
About the City of Whittier
The City of Whittier is a strategic maritime hub in Prince William Sound, supporting commercial fishing, freight movement, tourism, and regional transportation. The City is committed to maintaining resilient infrastructure that supports economic opportunity while preserving the character and environmental integrity of the community.