The Native Village of Kotzebue (NVOK) in Alaska, is committed to promoting and maintaining their heritage. One of the ways to accomplish this is to present road signs around Kotzebue in their traditional language, Inupiat. NVOK worked with the Elder’s Council to develop a translation list for all the road signs within the community. This list was transmitted to Bristol to provide shop drawings and specifications for the signs. The NVOK self-performed the sign procurement and installation process.
Bristol provided civil engineering services and construction administration for the new 18,000-square-foot Richard Foster Building in Nome, Alaska, which now houses the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, the Kegoayah Kozga Library, and the Kawerak Katirvik Cultural Center.
Prior to this contract, Bristol was awarded a separate contract from the City of Nome to perform a site topographic survey and perform geotechnical investigations for the foundation and site infrastructure development recommendations. The proposed 10-acre site is within the vicinity of the former power plant and had previously been used by the military as fuel storage. The site was found to have diesel fuel contamination.
Bristol provided the civil site design, assisted with old tank demolition, site grading, off-site sewer and water extensions, and new building utility services. The facility foundation was designed to be elevated on pilings to prevent heat transfer to the frozen subsurface permafrost soils. This design also allows the building to be constructed on the contaminated site without concern for vapor intrusion. The entire building site received a cap of 2 feet of clean soil with improvements developed above the cap. This provided a unique positive approach to development on a fuel contaminated site.
The development of the Richard Foster Building brought together many voices from the community that resulted in a place of sharing and gathering for various community activities. The individuals involved in the design and construction met each challenge with integrity and respect. This effort paid off in a beautiful facility that was delivered on schedule and within budget. The Richard Foster Building makes people feel welcome while creating opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Under a term contract with ANTHC, Bristol managed and prepared the design of a new 28-inch diameter, 1-mile long penstock and raw water transmission line between the dam at the Mahoona Lake Reservoir and the turbine building near the community’s water treatment plant in Ouzinkie, Alaska. Design consisted of conceptual design, draft design, final design, and Issued for Construction (IFC) plans and specifications set. Bristol prepared and obtained project permits and approvals from ADNR Dam Safety and ADEC Water Quality. Bristol assisted the City of Ouzinkie with the bid process by preparing bid documents, managing the bid process, contractor selection, and project contract preparation. Bristol is currently managing the construction phase for the City under a follow-on contract. The penstock serves as the City’s main source of drinking water and power.
