$11.4M Facility to Boost Army’s Cold-Weather Research in Alaska’s Permafrost Tunnel

The Army Corps of Engineers is enhancing its research initiatives with a new $11.4 million operations center at the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility in Fox, Alaska, as the Arctic unveils new strategic pathways and military forces ramp up training for cold-weather operations.

Initially dug in 1963 during the Cold War for a potential bunker project, the tunnel has evolved into a substantial research site focused on permafrost stability, thawing microbes, and the Arctic's construction challenges. Recently, military engineers utilized insights from the tunnel to construct an F-35A hangar at Eielson Air Force Base. This project required them to meticulously excavate warm permafrost while ensuring the structural integrity was preserved.

The upcoming 4,000-square-foot operations facility, scheduled to open in early 2026, will feature a visitor center, an on-site lab, and a warm storage area for equipment. In the past, research samples were required to be processed 10 miles away in Fort Wainwright.

Gary Larsen, the facility's operations manager, emphasized the concerns raised by the 11th Airborne Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: “What are we potentially exposing our soldiers to?” As permafrost continues to thaw more rapidly, ancient microbes that have been dormant for millennia could present unforeseen health risks.

Initially an abandoned bunker, the tunnel has demonstrated remarkable resilience, enduring numerous earthquakes and extensive construction activities. As Larsen stated, “This permafrost … handles vibration effectively.” The concept was to place something inside and then detonate the hillside, ensuring it remained intact.

The new operations center will enhance military researchers' ability to examine the impacts of Arctic changes on soldiers, infrastructure, and long-term military strategy.

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