Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, along with Representative Mary Peltola, have announced the successful acquisition of federal funding for a new Commercially Available Icebreaker. The Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Act allocates $125 million for this purchase. The icebreaker will be stationed in Juneau, Alaska, providing increased access to the Arctic region.

Senator Sullivan emphasized the significance of this development: “The inclusion of funding for the first icebreaker in a generation is significant progress for our state and our country’s national security.” He highlighted efforts since 2015 to raise awareness about the strategic importance of the Arctic, noting several advancements such as new security strategies and infrastructure improvements.

Senator Murkowski expressed her long-term commitment to enhancing America's icebreaker fleet: “I have been fighting for most of my career in the Senate to bolster America’s icebreaker fleet – and today is a critical milestone in that mission.” She underscored her role in securing over $1.5 billion towards the Polar Security Cutter Program over eight years.

Representative Peltola stressed the importance of an expanded icebreaker fleet: “Adding an icebreaker to the Coast Guard’s fleet will allow the United States to conduct important missions, project American presence, and take a leadership position in the Arctic as it opens up.”

The announcement comes amid growing concerns about Arctic competition. Currently, Russia has 55 operational icebreakers compared to just two U.S. vessels. By 2025, China is expected to surpass the U.S. in terms of its icebreaking capabilities.

This funding follows extensive advocacy by Senator Sullivan across two administrations involving key stakeholders like senior leaders from various governmental departments and Congress members. It includes provisions from past legislation facilitating property transfers necessary for homeporting logistics.

Senator Murkowski also played a pivotal role during budget negotiations to prevent cuts affecting future Polar Security Cutter acquisitions while securing additional funds for related projects aimed at modernizing Coast Guard operations throughout Alaska.

Representative Peltola's bipartisan efforts were crucial in garnering support from Lower 48 states' representatives ensuring Democratic leadership prioritized this acquisition for Alaska's benefit.