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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2025
Press Release: 25-0035

Contact: Shannon McCarthy, 907.388.8087, Shannon.McCarthy@alaska.gov

Alaska DOT&PF Secures Record Setting $183M in Federal Transportation Funding

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska)Alaskans will benefit from an additional $183.4 million in transportation improvements, the largest August Redistribution in state history.

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has secured the record setting additional $183.4 million in federal obligation authority for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 through the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) annual August Redistribution process. This additional spending authority will be put to work immediately for safety, bridge and pavement projects, non-motorized improvements, and community access upgrades across Alaska.

"This year's record-setting August Redistribution of $183.4 million reflects more than just opportunity — it demonstrates the power of modernization, said DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson. "By updating our processes with digital tools, streamlining the Tentative Advertising Schedule, and advancing our Project Delivery Plan, we positioned the department to pursue multiple projects across diverse federal funding categories. Just as importantly, our ability to track costs and schedules in real time ensures we could quickly adapt when challenges arise. This level of agility is what allows us to maximize federal investment and deliver vital infrastructure for Alaska's communities."

What is August Redistribution?

Each year, Congress gives states highway funds based on a formula and sets a yearly limit on how much of that money can be used. By late summer, some states and federal programs have not used all of their spending authority. FHWA's August Redistribution reallocates that unused authority to states that are ready to put it to work quickly and in line with federal requirements. This does not create new funding but instead allows states with shovel-ready projects to move faster, using existing federal funds to deliver more improvements sooner.

Record Redistribution Achieved Through Federal Partnership

This year's $183.4 million award equals nearly one-third of the state's formula funding. On a per-capita basis, Alaska ranked first in the nation. DOT&PF credits FHWA's clearer guidance and stronger collaboration under new leadership for helping make this record redistribution possible. Anderson said: "We appreciate the support and clarity from our federal partners. This milestone reflects the power of shared focus on readiness and efficiency. We will keep delivering projects that improve safety, connect communities, and strengthen Alaska's economy. This record redistribution shows what our teams are capable of - and we're not slowing down."

How Alaska is Putting August Redistribution to Work?

From Southeast to the Arctic, Alaska is putting the record $183.4 million in August Redistribution authority to immediate use. DOT&PF is advancing safety, pavement preservation, and access improvements statewide — from resurfacing the Glenn Highway and Mendenhall Loop Road to rebuilding the Seward Highway railroad crossing, upgrading Seppala Drive in Nome, and preserving pavement on North Tongass in Ketchikan and the Richardson Highway.

Copper Landing Bypass: A nationally recognized safety project on the Sterling Highway, the bypass reroutes traffic around a narrow and hazardous stretch. Continued investment will ensure safer travel through one of Alaska's most heavily used highway corridors, balancing mobility with environmental stewardship along the Kenai River.

West Susitna Access Road: This project advances work on new corridor that expands access to recreation, settlement, and natural resource development west of the Susitna River. By creating a reliable land connection in an undeveloped region, the road supports long-term economic opportunity while strengthening community access.

Looking Ahead

DOT&PF is building on this year's success by institutionalizing the tools, practices, and discipline that made the 2025 redistribution possible. These improvements are now part of how the department plans and delivers projects, ensuring that readiness and efficiency are not one-time achievements but standard practice. As we prepare for FFY26, these lessons will help us capture future opportunities, deliver projects faster, and continue strengthening Alaska's transportation system for years to come.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities, 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."

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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.”