(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – The long-awaited spending plan modifications outlining new federal funding for transportation are now available for public review. Projects that improve transportation safety, fix our existing infrastructure, support economic vitality, and provide resiliency, sustainability and mobility are included in the spending plan.

“Alaskans from Kotzebue to Ketchikan will see benefits from this spending plan—and all modes of travel will see improvements from highways, sidewalks, and trails, to our uniquely Alaskan networks such as the marine highway system, and the ice roads in northern and western Alaska,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy.

The plan, called the Alaska Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP, is the state’s four-year federal spending program for transportation system preservation and development. The update reflects the Governor’s funding priorities, the passage of the FY23 Capital Budget, and overall state and community needs. The public can review the STIP here.

“Alaskans will be able to see what impact the bipartisan infrastructure funding will have on our state,” said Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “Our transportation needs throughout the state are huge, this plan strengthens our efforts to improve our system.”

STIP Amendment 4 addresses infrastructure across Alaska, from building a new road in Kotzebue to reconstructing the Alaska Highway and Tok Cutoff near the Canadian border. It strengthens the Southcentral Freight Corridor with major reconstruction projects on the Sterling Highway and starts the projects that will ultimately decommission the Safety Corridor designation between Anchorage and Girdwood by reconstructing the highway. The spending plan includes improving the condition of our roads and marine highway system in Southeast Alaska with investments in Ketchikan, Prince of Wales, a new ferry terminal at Cascade Point, and the Tustumena Replacement Vessel.

STIP Amendment 4 includes several new programs and eligibilities that will further improve the resiliency and sustainability of our transportation network. Programs such as PROTECT, Carbon Reduction, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, and an increase in safety funding are all reflected in the proposed STIP. 

In addition, design funding is included for soon-to-be-announced Community Transportation and Transportation Alternatives Program grants.

“I’m excited about the opportunities for local governments to submit project proposals to improve the transportation system throughout Alaska over the coming months based on these new funds,” said Commissioner Anderson “We welcome the public’s comments on this important plan.” 

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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