Army Corps launches fast-track bidding for glacial flood solution in Juneau

At a press briefing, the Army Corps of Engineers revealed a request for qualifications aimed at creating a long-term, low-cost solution to prevent glacial outburst floods from Suicide Basin near Juneau. Brig. Gen. Clete Goetz described the selection process as a series of pitch briefings similar to the TV show "Shark Tank," with the goal of naming a project and industry partner before the end of the year.

Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, speaking remotely and in person respectively, lauded the plan as a fast, creative alternative to earlier proposals that could cost up to $1.5 billion and take over a decade. The RFQ calls for an Emergency Water Conveyance Prototype that would keep basin water levels under 1,100 feet and manage peak flows of roughly 1,000 cfs, after this year’s flood saw the basin rise to about 1,345 feet.

Local mining companies have offered tunnel-drilling concepts, while the Corps has not ruled out a lake-tap solution previously favored by the Forest Service. An industry day is scheduled for next Friday, with proposal submissions due Sept. 4, pitch presentations in late September, a preferred bidder chosen Oct. 7, and a contract signed by Dec. 11.