(JUNEAU, Alaska) – Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural communities across Alaska will benefit from vital transit and mobility services funded for Fiscal Year 2026. These services will provide critical access to employment, medical care, education, recreation, and social connection. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proud to release these grant awards through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), supporting equitable and inclusive transportation across the state.

Through a competitive application process, over $16 million has been awarded to eligible organizations statewide to improve mobility and access to essential services. The funding includes both operating and capital assistance designed to sustain and expand Alaska’s rural and specialized transit networks.

“Every Alaskan deserves the freedom to get where they need to go. These grant awards help make that possible, particularly in our rural and remote communities,” said DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “With this funding, we’re strengthening the essential transportation links that allow people to fully participate in daily life across the state.”

The funding comes from two FTA programs:

• Section 5310 provides formula-based funding to Alaska DOT&PF to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding mobility options. The funds are eligible to disperse to nonprofit organizations, local government authorities and Tribal governments. The FY26 funding will support vehicle purchases, operating assistance, and mobility management programs.

• Section 5311 provides formula grants to support public transportation in rural areas (populations under 50,000) in order to enhance access to employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and more. Funds are distributed from FTA to Alaska DOT&PF based on our rural population, land area and other criteria. DOT&PF distributes these funds to eligible public transit providers, Tribes, local governments, and in some cases, private operators. The FY26 funds will help maintain existing services, support capital investments, and promote coordination among rural transit operators.

A full list of FY26 grant recipients and funded projects is available at: dot.alaska.gov/transit

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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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