Proposed Port.

• Position: Port of Fire Island - Marine Transport - Brief Article

The state of Alaska and Cook Inlet Region Inc. signed an agreement, or letter of intent, that could be the first step in establishing a deep-water port at Fire Island. It lays the groundwork for the state to acquire the property on the island, which is directly west of Anchorage International Airport, for a total purchase price of $6 million.

The deal calls for the Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority to put a $1 million down payment by Nov. 3 for 1,200 acres at $5,000 per acre. CIRI would keep the remaining 3,200 acres for private development. Engineering firm CH2M Hill confirmed that it was picked by AIDEA for a $100,000, 45-day study to determine if the state should make the down payment.

The state then has two years to complete economic feasibility studies and market analyses and to pay the remainder of the purchase price. In the event that the state does not complete payment, it would retain 200 acres adjacent to the port site...