The cost estimates of a scaled-back port project have increased to nearly $2 billion. The project was expected to cost $350 million a decade ago. (Port of Alaska photo)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Anchorage officials have hired consultants to help determine the best path forward for the stalled modernization project of the Port of Alaska.

The Alaska Journal of Commerce reports the Anchorage Assembly's Enterprise and Utility Oversight Committee approved a $45,000 contract last week for the project management firm Ascent PGM and the consulting firm Northern Compass Group.

The Northern Compass Group is led by former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich.

The assembly approved funding in March for consulting work to review aspects of the port expansion project, including figuring out why costs have skyrocketed.

The cost estimates of a scaled-back port project have increased to nearly $2 billion. The project was expected to cost $350 million a decade ago.

Begich said the consultants expect to produce a report by mid-September.

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