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.

Today's top stories

Blalock Crews Build TDOT's $67M Newport Bypass

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Equip Expo's Summer Giveaway Offers a Chance for Lifetime Trade Show Registration, Gift Card, Hotel Stay

Tennessee's Pugmill Systems LLC Expands Its Product Offerings to Include Concrete Plants

ASCENDUM Machinery Opens New Savannah, Ga., Facility