(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – A project to modernize Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities' (DOT&PF) project selection process was awarded $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP). Alaska's project will develop more efficient, transparent, and streamlined process for selecting surface transportation projects. The work will emphasize community engagement and collaboration with cities, boroughs, Alaska Native organizations and other local partners, such as metropolitan planning organizations and community councils to ensure inclusivity throughout the selection process.

The PPPP grant, awarded through a competitive discretionary program, will enable Alaska DOT&PF to develop and implement a comprehensive and inclusive project selection framework. This plan will ensure that transportation investments address the state’s critical infrastructure needs while fostering meaningful participation from diverse stakeholders, including underserved communities.

"This grant represents a major step toward ensuring our transportation investments align with the needs of all Alaskans,” said Ryan Anderson, DOT&PF Commissioner. “By engaging with our communities, we can prioritize projects that provide the greatest value to our residents and strengthen our transportation network."

The Project Prioritization Process Program will focus on creating a clear selection methodology that incorporates public input and measurable outcomes. This effort will improve Alaska DOT&PF's ability to allocate funding effectively and increase trust among stakeholders.

“This grant will help us to modernize the project selection process by incorporating and weighting the factors that matter today” said Judy Chapman, DOT&PF Planning Division Operations Manager.

As part of the award process, Alaska DOT&PF will work closely with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to finalize a grant agreement before project work begins. The department looks forward to engaging stakeholders throughout the state to ensure the success of this initiative.

For more information about US DOT's Project Prioritization Process Program, please visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/pppp.cfm

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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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