U.S. Army considers Port for shipping munitions

By RINDI WHITE-Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU -- Port MacKenzie is being considered by the U.S. Army as a potential point for shipping munitions to Alaska military bases.

Although discussions are very much in their early stages, Borough Manager John Duffy said the port appears to have passed the first round of review.

"The Department of Defense is taking a look at the characteristics of our facility," Duffy said Friday. "Not only at the capabilities of the dock, but the physical characteristics of the surrounding land. We … made an acceptable grade on the first initial review. Now they're doing a detailed analysis."

Currently, the shipments that would be made through Port MacKenzie are being made through the Port of Valdez.

Although officials at Fort Richardson were not able to comment Friday or Monday about any problems with the Valdez port, Duffy mentioned there may be safety concerns related to traveling Thompson Pass. Other ports, such as the Port of Anchorage, have other potential concerns. The Anchorage port, Duffy said, is close to the Government Hill residential area and the tank farm, which are also safety issues.

Port MacKenzie has been discussed as a potential alternative location for the tank farm, and for expansion of the Ted Stevens International Airport. But, Duffy said, that shouldn't pose problems for munitions shipping through the port.

"The possible locations for a tank farm or airport or other facility would be far enough away," Duffy said. "They're more concerned with nearby residential development."

And with nearby residential development sparse in the port area, the area may provide a good fit. If so, Duffy said, the borough could get the contract for two shipments of between 150 and 180 containers full of ammunition and supplies each year. Duffy said the amount the shipping contract may bring the borough is still unknown.

According to officials at the city of Valdez, shipments are made about two times each year through their port -- three times at the most. The shipments generally bring in about $10,000 for the city.