The Roads to Resource Program Initiative (R2R) works with state agencies, resource developers, and other interested parties, including local governments, and Native corporations, to design and build projects that support development of natural resources in the oil and gas, alternative energy, mining, timber, fisheries, and agriculture industries. In addition to traditionally-funded public projects, R2R anticipates and analyzes prospects for Public-Private Partnerships (P3) to fund projects that will generate enough revenue to pay off planning and construction costs.
DUTIES
- Identify resource development projects that require construction of transportation access. R2R considers not only road access, but also marine, rail, and aviation related transportation improvements.
- Work in support of the Department of Natural Resources and resource industries in assessing, designing, and permitting transportation improvements necessary for economic viability in developing a resource.
- Select projects based on a broad range of technical and social criteria including state and regional economic benefit through creation of local jobs, improved transportation access and reduced cost of living for rural Alaskan communities, and evaluation of impacts to cultural, subsistence, and environmental resources.
- Develop project recommendations that are then presented to the administration and legislature for financial support.
- Work with resource developers, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), Native corporations, contractors, and other interested financial entities to facilitate preparation of agreements to develop transportation projects for resource access. Startup investment by the State in a Road to Resource project can be reimbursed by the beneficiaries as part of industry user or toll fees.
- Provide reconnaissance level technical and financial support for access options analysis, initial baseline field studies, conceptual options design and cost analysis, and agency and public meetings to identify development-related issues and solutions, with the intent to reach consensus on a preferred alternative.
- Facilitate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process as either an applicant or a technical assistance provider to the applicant.
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Wind props on train. Renewable energy comes to Southcentral Alaska.
Photo by Angela Hunt, Alaska DOT&PF
HIGHLIGHTS
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