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Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2015
No.: 15-2532
Contact: Jeremy Woodrow, 907-465-8994, Jeremy.Woodrow@alaska.gov  

ADOT&PF Prepares for Partial Government Shutdown

(JUNEAU, Alaska) – Due to the uncertainty of a fully funded State of Alaska fiscal year 2016 operating budget, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) is preparing to reduce services statewide on July 1, 2015, the start of the new state fiscal year.

“We are still hopeful that the legislature will pass a fully funded budget. However, we must have a plan in place so that the traveling public is prepared and understands what services will and will not be affected,” said ADOT&PF Commissioner Marc Luiken.

Without a fully funded operating budget the following ADOT&PF services will be impacted after June 30, 2015:

  • Alaska Marine Highway System: All 11 vessels will enter layup status and will not provide passenger service.
  • Weights and Measures: These services will be limited.
  • Road Maintenance and Operations: Preventative Maintenance funded by the federal government on state highways will continue into September. Emergency response will be available for signal and general highway issues.
  • Public Facilities: Will provide emergency monitoring and response only.
  • Support staff and accounting: Staff will be reduced to paying bills and processing payroll.

The following ADOT&PF services will continue to be provided:

  • Whittier Tunnel: Will continue to operate as normal.
  • International Airports: Ted Stevens Anchorage International and Fairbanks International airports will continue to operate as normal.
  • State Airports: Part 139 certificated airports that serve larger passenger and jet aircraft will operate with reduced hours.
  • Planning, Design and Construction: All projects currently being planned, designed and are under contract for construction will continue.
  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: Overweight/oversize permitting will be available.

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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