The U.S. Coast Guard is advancing its Arctic and Antarctic mission capabilities with a $137 million contract awarded to Whiting-Turner Contracting Company for phase 1A of the Base Seattle modernization program. This initial phase includes major dredging operations, the construction of two state-of-the-art cutter berths for future Polar Security Cutters, and significant environmental remediation—marking the Coast Guard’s largest CERCLA cleanup to date. Additional upgrades will support new icebreaking vessels and recapitalize small boat facilities at Station Seattle. This investment, alongside $4.3 billion in funding for three Polar Security Cutters, is part of a broader strategy to enhance U.S. maritime dominance and national security in polar regions.