The U.S. Navy in December signed a Record of Decision (ROD) supporting the construction of NAVFAC’s planned Dry Dock 3 Replacement project at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). The ROD also identifies NAVFAC’s design for the project, estimated at a total cost of approximately $2 billion to $4 billion and reportedly the largest in NAVFAC history.

According to a Dec. 16 JBPHH press release, Alternative 4 (the Navy’s “preferred alternative” design) was selected. This includes construction and operation of an uncovered graving dry dock, known as Dry Dock #5, as well as construction of a multiple support concept waterfront production facility located east of the new dry dock.

Also in December, President Joe Biden signed the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The Act reportedly authorizes $873 million for Hawaii military construction projects and acquisitions that includes $446 million for the new JBPHH dry dock project, as well as $40 million for the related shipyard waterfront production facility.