The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a design-build contract worth approximately $9.8 million for new housing and a maintenance support facility in Seward, marking a key step in its plans to homeport a Fast Response Cutter there.

The contract went to Orion Construction Inc. of Wasilla on July 20, 2026. It covers the construction of six housing units and one maintenance support building, with the project funded through the Fiscal Year 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

According to the Coast Guard, the housing is intended to support personnel and families assigned to the Fast Response Cutter as the service expands its presence in Seward. The agency said the project is part of broader shore infrastructure investment aimed at improving quality of life and operational readiness.

"These new housing units and maintenance facility are essential to supporting our personnel and families as we expand the Coast Guard footprint in Seward", said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District. "This investment gives our crews safe, modern accommodations and strengthens our ability to achieve operational excellence and mission success in Alaska and the Arctic region."

The contract calls for four four-bedroom housing units and two three-bedroom units. The homes will be built in duplexes, including one unit that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The work also includes site development, utility infrastructure, and landscaping. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2028.

The Coast Guard said six Fast Response Cutters have been delivered to Alaska to date. The cutters are used for missions including search and rescue, fishery patrols, drug and migrant interdiction, national defense, and ports, waterways, and coastal security.

The crew assigned to the new Fast Response Cutter will primarily operate in the Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and North Pacific Ocean. Coast Guard Cutter Frederick Mann was commissioned in May and is temporarily homeported in Kodiak until facilities in Seward are ready.

The Coast Guard also said it is assessing additional critical infrastructure and housing needs in Seward and Kodiak to support the arrival of new assets and prepare for challenges in the Arctic over the long term.

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