By JON FAULKNER
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced that a record-setting $183.4 million in federal funds were redistributed to Alaska’s DOT and Public Facilities through the Federal Highway Administration.
Redistribution funds allow states with previously approved and designed projects to accelerate their construction timelines through a re-allocation of existing federal funds. The $183.4 million places Alaska as the highest in the nation on a per-capita basis for August redistribution funding.
Senator Sullivan is a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and has consistently advocated for increased funding for Alaska’s federal highway projects, including efforts during President Trump’s first term to secure funding and permits for the massive Cooper Landing Bypass project.
The road funds will help advance two large projects currently in progress: the West Susitna Access Road and the Cooper Landing Bypass. They will also cover other safety, pavement protection, and smaller access projects.
“We have natural resources that exceed most major countries, yet we have fewer road miles than Connecticut, despite our state being 118 times the size. In my seats on both the Environment and Public Works and Commerce Committees, getting more infrastructure—including roads—built in our state so we can unlock our full potential is one of my top priorities,” said Senator Sullivan in a prepared statement.
Sullivan continued: “We’ve had great success securing major awards for transportation infrastructure projects, with hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term investments coming to our state, but more needs to be done. My team and I have had numerous conversations with Transportation Secretary Duffy and his team about our infrastructure challenges and the necessity of working cooperatively with Alaska DOT to ensure that, unlike the previous administration, federal highway funds aren’t bogged down by unnecessary requirements and red tape. I want to thank Secretary Duffy for following through on his commitments and look forward to working with Alaska DOT to ensure that these funds are used to advance infrastructure projects that benefit our communities.”
Jon Faulkner is the president of Alaska Gold Communications, parent company to Must Read Alaska.