US Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, along with Congressman Nick Begich, announced that two additional Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutters will be homeported in Alaska, expanding US Arctic presence and national security operations. The move builds on broader icebreaker expansion plans and earlier testimony suggesting up to four cutters could be based in the state.
The decision is supported by major federal investments, including funding in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act for Arctic Security Cutters and multi-billion-dollar allocations for new icebreakers, aircraft, and Coast Guard fleet modernization. More than $3 billion has also been directed toward shoreside infrastructure and homeporting facilities. Below is an overview of the delegation’s work to bring more Coast Guard assets, personnel, vessels, infrastructure, and investments to Alaska.
Securing U.S. Coast Guard Construction and Infrastructure Funding for Alaska Installations: Since 2015, Congress has appropriated about $1.408 billion for infrastructure and construction-related projects in Alaska to support new and existing Coast Guard assets, giving many communities throughout Alaska significant investments in their infrastructure and local housing.
Securing Historic Investments in America’s Icebreaker Fleet: Through the FY 2025 budget reconciliation bill, the Alaska congressional delegation secured $4.3 billion for the procurement of two new Polar Security Cutters, with substantial progress toward a third, marking the most significant expansion of heavy icebreaking capability in U.S. history. The delegation also worked to deliver $3.5 billion to procure three Arctic Security Cutters, the nation’s next-generation medium polar icebreakers. Additionally, they championed $816 million for more than ten new light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters. Beyond icebreakers, the WFTCA included major investments across the Coast Guard’s fleet: $1 billion for approximately 10 Fast Response Cutters (FRC), $4.3 billion for approximately 9 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC), $2.2 billion for approximately 40 MH-60 helicopters, and $1.1 billion for approximately 6 HC-130 aircraft. Critically, these efforts are backed by over $3 billion for shoreside infrastructure to support the homeporting of these assets, including the $300 million for the homeporting of the Storis in Juneau.
Officials say the investments aim to close the US icebreaking gap, strengthen Arctic readiness amid rising competition, and boost Alaska’s infrastructure, jobs, and long-term economic development.
