Port Authority: Connecting Communities Through Infrastructure
Mission: The mission of the Port Authority Department is to plan for, finance, construct, operate, and maintain transportation-related facilities and activities, with the goal of connecting North Slope communities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By providing critical infrastructure, the Department aims to support emergency response, environmental protection, resource development, and local employment and training opportunities.
Overview:
The Port Authority Department is responsible for the strategic planning, financing, construction, and operation of transportation-related infrastructure within the North Slope Borough. These projects encompass a wide range of facilities and activities, including ports, airports, roads, pipelines, and communication systems. The development of these facilities ensures the region’s capability to respond to emergencies, protect the environment, and improve the efficiency of local cargo operations. Additionally, the Department’s efforts facilitate resource development and create valuable training and employment opportunities for residents.
A “Project” within the Port Authority Department encompasses the acquisition, construction, financing, installation, and enhancement of transportation and cargo-related facilities. This includes port facilities, airports, roads, pipelines, rights of way, communication networks, as well as emergency and oil spill response services, and other maritime-related operations across the North Slope Borough. All projects align with the guidelines established in the Department’s Development Plan.
Key Functions:
- Infrastructure Development: Planning, constructing, and maintaining key transportation networks, including ports, airports, roads, and pipelines.
- Emergency Preparedness: Enhancing regional emergency response and oil spill capabilities to ensure swift and effective action during crises.
- Environmental Stewardship: Prioritizing environmental protection in the planning and execution of projects, ensuring sustainable growth for the North Slope.
- Economic Development: Facilitating resource development projects that create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
- Local Employment and Training: Providing training programs to equip residents with skills required for various roles in transportation and logistics, fostering local workforce development.
Historical Context:
The North Slope Borough Port Authority was born out of a recognized need for regional infrastructure investment. In the early 2000s, the NSB, along with local citizens, identified the importance of developing hard infrastructure—such as ports, roads, and communication networks—to support the community’s economic growth. While hard infrastructure focuses on physical assets, its counterpart, soft infrastructure (healthcare, education, law enforcement), is equally vital, and both are essential to the prosperity of communities. This recognition led to the drafting and adoption of the North Slope Borough Port Authority Ordinance in 2014, with an executive director and board members appointed the following year.
Initial progress was hindered by political challenges, delaying the Authority’s organizational activities. It wasn’t until 2018 that efforts resumed, leading to the development of the Authority’s Long Range Development Plan (LRDP). Further affirmation of the Authority’s importance came with the preparation of the Borough’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan. This revitalized commitment saw the LRDP reactivated in 2020, and on December 1 of that year, the Borough Assembly restructured the independent Authority into a dedicated Department under the North Slope Borough, ensuring alignment with broader regional planning efforts.
Future Goals:
The Port Authority Department continues to develop strategic infrastructure projects that will connect communities, improve regional logistics, and support economic initiatives. Ongoing projects include the expansion of transport networks and enhancement of emergency response facilities, aiming to further strengthen the Borough’s capabilities and resilience.
Links
Contact
Scott Evens, Director
Phone Number: (907) 852-0489
Fax Number: (907) 852-0245
Hina Kilioni, Deputy Director
Direct Number: (907) 852-0258
Cell Phone: 907) 319-9555
