In 2025, Alaska received $145 million from the federal government to invest in aviation safety. $25 million came from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 which promises $25 million yearly for the Alaska Aviation Safety initiative until 2028. The remaining $120 million came from the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
The investments will serve to accomplish several aviation safety goals:
- Reduce fatal aviation accidents in Alaska by 90% by 2033
- Improve maintenance and reliability of weather equipment
- Provide $80 million for weather infrastructure
- Provide at least 50 Automated Weather Observing Systems, 60 Visual Weather Observing Systems, and 64 new weather camera sites
- Continue the Alaska Aviation Safety initiative
Senator Sullivan stated: “Working closely with FAA leadership, I pushed for a fundamentally different approach: one that recognizes Alaska cannot be treated like the Lower 48.” Alaska’s total aviation accident rate and fatal accident rate are both higher than the national averages, pointing to the need for Alaska-specific solutions.
“Aviation is the backbone of our state—supporting our economy, our health care system, and our ability to remain connected across our vast landscape. I remain committed to ensuring we have the investment, infrastructure, and flexibility needed to keep our skies safe,” promises Sullivan.
