On the other. Used with permission. Evacuation routes considered to date by Kivalina and the NAB have included. Kivalina Kivaliniq Kivalina is located between the Chukchi Sea and Kivalina River at the tip of an 8-mile barrier reef. Options involving community relocation have been problematic, as they are neither culturally preferable According to court documents, while Jayson Knox, aka "Birdie," 23, was a substitute teacher at the Kivalina school, he used social media and text messages to contact 10 young girls asking them . This is the only village in the region that hunts bowhead whales. Mayor Richards had been actively advocating that a NWAB no-bid project management contract for Kivalina's new school and road construction be awarded to Remote Solutions, LLC, a Kotzebue based Limited Liability Corporation owned by Iditarod champion John Baker and his fianc Katherine Keith, also a . Thin ice conditions interrupt sea ice-based hunting. (Creative Commons photo by Lt. Cmdr. Concepts previously studied for their feasibility include construction of an earthen causeway across the lagoon that variously incorporates hydraulic and boat passage options including bridge(s), culvert(s), or both. Over the last decade, Kivalina and the NAB have evaluated the feasibility of numerous local road routings that could potentially provide for evacuation, school access, or material site development. The long-awaited Kivalina Bridge, connecting the Western Alaska village of Kivalina to the mainland, was completed last spring by Lynden customer ASRC Civil Construction with support from Alaska Marine Lines. As reported by REVEAL, "The Inupiaq used to spend summers in tents along Kivalina's beach. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities officials accepted the award on June 7, 2022. And this accelerated timeframe resulted in a significantly reduced design and administrative costs. Kivalina was a good seasonal hunting camp, but never hosted a permanent settlement. In 1905, the Bureau of Indian Affairs selected the island as a school site . Over the last decade, Kivalina and the NAB have evaluated the feasibility of numerous local road routings that could potentially provide for evacuation, school access, or material site development. The school it will replace enrolls about 150 students. For questions or comments, please contact: The site is about 7miles from the village, which is threatened by coastal erosion and rising sea levels. According to a borough announcement in the legal section of The Arctic Sounder newspaper, the mayor's new chief of staff, Patrick Savok, was hired to work with the mayor, local communities and the school district "to develop consensus on projects and issues moving forward. Northwest Arctic Borough School District and the Northwest Arctic Borough Village Improvement Fund provided funding for this project. 2010). The feasibility of several potential route alignments were evaluated within a project study area encompassing Kivalina Island, the southern portion of Kivalina Lagoon, and the lower Wulik and Kivalina River drainages in Townships 27N and 28N, Ranges 25W, 26W and 27W of the Kateel River Meridian. 2022 Anchorage Daily News. Adapted from the report "Climate Change in Kivalina, Alaska: Strategies for Community Health" published by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the blog post "Re-Locate Receives 2015 ArtPlace America Grant" published by Re-Locate Kivalina. The Kivalina school project is the primary benefactor of the bill, though one other project in the state a new school for the Kenai Peninsula Russian Old Believer community of Kachemak Selo will also earn a break under the change. Tue, Feb 01, 2022. Section 117 Expedited Erosion Control Project, Kivalina, Alaska 1.0 Community Profile Kivalina, Alaska is a community of about 400 persons living on an 8-mile-long barrier island that separates a 16-mile-long lagoon (Kivalina Lagoon) from the Chukchi Sea (figure 1). The route also provides access to a new school under construction and will serve the evacuation site as a full-service community emergency shelter with all-season support capabilities. By teaming with communities and agencies, DOT&PF was able to deliver the project from concept to operational road in less than 4 years. The mission of the department is to Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure., Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, ALASKA DEPARTMENT of TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES. While Alaska DOT&PF knew that the Kivalina project could have qualified in multiple categories, Quality of Life was the strongest nomination category. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. To provide a learning environment that inspires and challenges students and employees to excel, To graduate all students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a successful future, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Kotzebue, AK 99752 the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Northwest Arctic Borough Mayor Clement Richards Sr. said the borough was attempting to "think outside the box" and move forward with the school project, estimated to cost $63 million and result in the construction of a new school building on higher ground. At this rate, the island on which the village is located will be swallowed up by the ocean by 2025, according to predictions. 166 likes. After evaluation, four potential sources The location prolonged the construction of the new school, Christy said. (Loren Holmes / Alaska Dispatch News). (Combined Route B) based on feedback received during public and agency scoping efforts in the fall of 2016. The community of Kivalina has been working for decades with a variety of local, state, and federal agencies to address threats of coastal erosion and But the district spent about $5,500 to send representatives from Alaska to Seattle to oppose the proposed contract. . Kivalina Evacuation and School Site Access Road This project involved ROW mapping for the acquisition of ROW for a new eight-mile road from the coastal village of Kivalina northeasterly to higher ground. that could provide for evacuation road construction as well as other infrastructure or general material needs. The village is home toabout 450 residents, 97% Alaska Native. Historically, Kivalina was a summer hunting camp and not intended to be a year-round residence. Subsistence, including whaling, is an important part of the local economy. This award belongs to the community and to each and every one of DOT&PFs partners, said Ryan Anderson, DOT&PF Commissioner. Kivalina is located between the Chukchi Sea and Kivalina River at the tip of an 8-mile barrier reef. During the 1970s, a new school and an electric system were constructed in the city. While neither O'Brien nor Richards could provide a timeline for the construction of the new school, they both now agree to work together and have the road built first. This does not meet the purpose and need of the project. "It's premature, by years," she said. Numerous study, concept, and planning documents exist on potential solutions, which range from: erosion protection around the city; to relocation of the entire community; to a new mainland site. "The process to advance a new road construction project of this magnitude from inception through construction completion is rigorous, generally involving years of field investigations, engineering, community and stakeholder collaboration, environmental assessment, permitting, and land acquisitions - all before any construction can begin," she said. An alternative evacuation and relocation road is being studied. Patchy sea ice also makes winter travel and hunting difficult and dangerous. [13] In July 2015, a newer store was opened after months of rebuilding to make the store more convenient and safe. "I made the best choice, but it failed," Richards said of the proposal. This book looks at the struggle of Kivalina, a small Alaska Native village that filed a legal claim against some of the world's largest fossil fuel companies for damaging their homeland and creating a false debate around climate change. Residents would continue to be exposed to environmental 58.7% of people in Kivalina have completed 8th grade. In fact, Kivalina school is the last of the five schools named in the settlement to receive full funding, Mearig said. . Kivalina is a village of more than 400 people, located at the tip of a thin, 8-mile long barrier reef. Due to effects of climate change, Kivalina intends to relocate to escape the ongoing vulnerability to flooding and erosion. 2013). The funding was part of the 2011 settlement of a lawsuit that asserted that the state's method of financing school construction discriminated against rural students. Men go caribou hunting inland. He hopes the road will eventually lead to the new site of the village of Kivalina. Kivalina has been at its current location since its school was built in the early 1900s. Eielson Air Force Base (IATA: EIL, ICAO: PAEI, FAA LID: EIL) is a United States Air Force (USAF) base located approximately 26 miles (42 km) southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, and just southeast of Moose Creek, Alaska.It was established in 1943 as Mile 26 Satellite Field and redesignated Eielson Air Force Base on 13 January 1948. All rights reserved. The proposed road project origin would be at the City of Kivalina, which lies within the Kotzebue Recording District and is located in Section 21, The proposed road project origin would be at the City of Kivalina, which lies within the Kotzebue Recording District and is located in Section 21, Township 27 N, Range 26 W, of the Kateel River Meridian. This content supports the highlighted step. As of last week, it became a nationally award-winning evacuation route. The community of Kivalina has been working for decades with a variety of local, state, and federal agencies to address threats of coastal erosion and flooding. The installation of the tower and an Enertech 4K wind generator are . "And we want those relations to continue to be strong, to help get those schools in place that our students need. Copyright 2023 The Arctic Sounder is a publication of Meet in front of the main office. Due to severe erosion, the City intends to relocate to a new site 7.5 miles away. Under the No-Action Alternative, an evacuation road would not be constructed from Kivalina to K-Hill. Erosion and wind-driven ice have resulted in plans to relocate the village to a new site 2.5 miles away. Richards said he called the special meeting in Seattle because the Assembly was already in the city for a retreat. The road would be designed to accommodate both general purpose and emergency evacuation vehicles over a two-way road with shoulders, multiple turnouts, and safe side slopes that include guard rails or other safety features as required. The project initiated a modelling process involving various stakeholders, both from the village and the government, who are attempting to deal with the various political, legal, and environ- mental transformations that shape the island of Kivalina today. As of last week, it became a nationally award-winning evacuation route. However, the planning for this project began almost 20 years ago. Box 104 Noorvik, AK 99763Email, Seat B- Kivalina, Noatak, Baird Mountains, Kiana & NoorvikP.O. The Kivalina evacuation/school access road project will provide residents of Kivalina Island a safe, reliable means of evacuation if necessary. Recent climate data has indicated that arctic sea ice is forming later in the season, increasing fall and winter storm duration and intensity along the Jun 13, 2022. Kivalina students will start this fall's school year in a brand new building, with the construction of the building nearing completion. Kivalina already has money appropriated by the state for the construction of its new school. Residents of Kivalina, Alaska have an new evacuation route in case they need to leave their island home during a winter storm. The Kivalina school stands on the ocean's edge on the southern tip of the island. The FINAL NWAB 2030 Comprehensive Plan Page is available. of the entire community; to a new mainland site. Through this program, the Army Corps completed a rock revetment in 2010. Numerous study, concept, and planning documents exist on potential solutions, which range from: erosion protection around the city; to relocation of the entire community; to a new mainland site. . Last updated April 26, 2013. Then were spending a lot more money, and were already in a financially strapped time.. Due to severe erosion and wind-driven ice damage, the City intends to relocate to a new site 7.5 miles away. Adak Aleut Corp T1470 C&D. Adak Finger Bay Landfill. Concepts previously studied for their feasibility include construction of an earthen causeway across the lagoon that variously incorporates hydraulic and boat passage options including bridge(s), culvert(s), or both. Several beach protection measures have been tested over the past decade, but all have failed. The new road, bridge and causeway were designed to accommodate all modes of transportation for all seasons, and residents began using the new route immediately after opening. Township 27 N, Range 26 W, of the Kateel River Meridian. The sea ice used to be twelve feet thick, and there was just one lead. remain severe risk to life, health, and safety of residents during a storm surge event. The feasibility of several potential route alignments were evaluated within a project study area encompassing Kivalina Island, In . Each year, estimated relocation costs increase, with some estimates for moving the approximately 400 residents ranging from $100 to $400 millionup to a million dollars per person. Prior to 1976, high school students from Noatak would attend school in Kivalina, and board with local families. Residents of Kivalina, Alaska have an new evacuation route in case they need to leave their island home during a winter storm. He declined to comment on why he supported the sole-source contract over putting the project out to bid. Several material source locations within these areas were evaluated for feasibility based on proximity to potential routes, quantity and Percent Alaska Native / American Indian alone or in combination (2016-2020), Denali Commission Distressed Community (2018), Number of Active Business Licenses (2019), Northwest Arctic Local Emergency Planning Committee (NALEPC), Community & Economic Development Commission. "In this region it's important that we work together," she said. Millie Hawley is president of Kivalinas tribal government, and she had not heard of the cuts until reached by phone for this story. within these areas have been determined feasible and are carried forward for further evaluation (K-Hill, Wulik River Channel Source 1, Wulik Relic Chanel construction is remote and speculative, if constructed within the vicinity of the project terminus, the school could augment the undeveloped evacuation These community initiated route concepts were refined and a fourth route was developed Key findings. NAB within the Study Area (Community Proposed Alternatives). Kivalina is a safe and resilient community. material sources; and cost. Accordingly, Kivalina has turned to a locally approved approach of facilitating a safe, reliable, and direct means of community evacuation to an acceptable mainland location on K-Hill. During the 1970s, new houses, a new school, and an electric system were constructed in the village. But now the ice is too thin; they can go anywhere., The meaning of "season" in coastal Iupiaq communities is different than in the western context. In the meantime, the community has undertaken measures to buy them some time. Alena Naiden can be reached at anaiden@adn.com. For now, the crews are completing interior finishes, installing lighting and kitchen equipment and constructing the playground, Christy said. A 2012 file photo shows children leaving Kivalinas McQueen School after classes. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities officials accepted the award on June 7, 2022. Material Source Location Alternatives: Four general areas known to contain potentially viable sources of various project materials were evaluated The selected material source alternatives are the K-Hill Site, document.write(year) The project was approved by the legislature for funding and then vetoed by the governor back in 2014 because there were a lot of questions about coastal erosion and whether building a new school eight miles out of the current community was the right solution, said Tim Mearig, state education department facilities manager. Lagoon Crossing Alternatives: Four lagoon crossing alternatives (Solid Causeway, Solid Causeway with Culverts, Solid Causeway with Culverts While the school is a new beginning for the students, it's the culmination of a long planning process and a lighting-paced construction process for both the school, which will serve as the community's emergency shelter in the event of a storm or flooding, and the eight-mile evacuation road that connects the Kivalina community to its school. Boosting safety and resilience in the Arctic. Erosion and wind-driven ice have resulted in plans to relocate the village to a new site 2.5 miles away. In the face of this increased threat, Kivalina needs a safe and reliable means of evacuation. "Kivalina is a small Inupiaq village in Northwest Arctic Alaska that sits on a barrier reef island," Colleen Swan, the Kivalina Tribal Administrator, told Christine Shearer for her 2011 book Kivalina: A Climate Change Story. Photo by Candy Deardorff The project terminus at K-Hill is located in Section 19, Township 28N, Range 25W, of the $45M. Located in the school, the Food Service Worker position performs a variety of cleaning, maintenance, food preparation, stocking, and serving duties in a commercial kitchen, storeroom, dining, or serving area. River Source used last, if needed, once the other sites have been exhausted of the needed material. "All the gravel fill for the building site and the school roadways had to be created from a rock quarry near the school site," she said. Foot Lagoon Crossing. This site, its site by serving as a full-service community emergency shelter with all-season support capabilities. "Had this project taken the more typical eight years to complete, the construction contract," Tessen said, "would have cost, at a minimum, an estimated $14 million to $16 million more.". Learn more. A rural school project the state is legally obligated to complete was among the reductions. 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