As the Native Village of Kivalina and the City of Kivalina continue the long process of relocation planning, Kuna Engineering is providing on-the-ground technical support to help move critical infrastructure projects from discussion to action. Relocation is not a single project— it is a coordinated effort involving land development, utilities, materials sourcing, funding strategy, and agency alignment. Over the past several months, Kuna has been working alongside community leaders and agency partners to advance key components that will make relocation possible.
Coordinating at the all agency level Kuna recently participated in the Kivalina All Agency Meeting, where tribal, municipal, state, and federal partners gathered to coordinate next steps. These meetings are essential for aligning funding, regulatory approvals, and technical planning.
Kuna’ s team provided engineering insight into infrastructure sequencing, feasibility considerations, and permitting pathways— helping ensure that the community’ s
|
priorities are matched with realistic, fundable implementation strategies.
Advancing federal funding opportunities Kuna also assisted with preparation of a Congressionally Directed Spending( CDS) application to support critical infrastructure tied to relocation. This work included refining project scope, developing cost estimates, and preparing supporting technical documentation to demonstrate readiness and need.
By strengthening the technical foundation behind funding requests, Kuna helps position Kivalina competitively for federal investment.
Landfill Site Geotechnical Investigation In recent weeks, Kuna conducted geotechnical investigations at the proposed new landfill site— a critical piece of infrastructure for any developing community.
Leading this effort was NANA shareholder Henry Horner, who oversaw subsurface exploration and soil characterization work needed to inform design. The data collected will guide foundation
|
planning, containment strategies, and long-term stability considerations, particularly important in Arctic and permafrost conditions.
By gathering this information early, the team reduces risk, supports future permitting, and helps move the landfill project toward design readiness.
Supporting site selection and gravel development Reliable construction materials and well-chosen building sites are essential to successful relocation.
NANA shareholder Brett Kirk, EIT, serves as Kuna’ s liaison with the community and is leading technical support for both site selection and gravel source development. His work includes evaluating constructability, access, environmental constraints, and material suitability— ensuring that decisions made today will support sustainable development in the future.
Developing a viable gravel source will allow the community to build pads, roads, and essential infrastructure
|
more efficiently and cost-effectively as relocation progresses.
Shareholder leadership in action Through engineering analysis, funding strategy support, and direct coordination with the community, Kuna Engineering is helping lay the groundwork for Kivalina’ s next chapter.
This work reflects more than technical expertise— it demonstrates NANA shareholder leadership supporting community-driven priorities. With Henry leading field investigations and Brett coordinating directly with local stakeholders, Kuna’ s involvement highlights how shareholders are contributing their skills to strengthen long-term resilience for communities across the region.
Relocation is a complex, multi-year effort. By advancing landfill design, material site planning, funding applications, and interagency coordination, Kuna is helping transform long-range planning into tangible progress.
|
14 The Hunter | 2026 Spring Edition |