The U.S. state of Alaska has secured more than USD 115.4 million (EUR 98.4 million) in federal grants to improve its ports through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
The money granted will fund seven projects statewide in Alaska, with a release from the office of Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy noting the projects span Alaskan coastal communities from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta to Southeast Alaska.
“Alaska’s ports are the economic lifelines of our communities,” Dunleavy said. “These investments will modernize critical infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the supply chains Alaskans depend on every day. I want to thank [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy and the Trump administration for their commitment to advancing Alaska.”
The money will fund several port improvements, including a USD 20.4 million (EUR 17.4 million) railroad tunnel upgrade connecting the Port of Whittier to the ARRC mainline and adding 30 new railcars. Anchorage will receive USD 4.7 million (EUR 4 million) to replace a damaged petroleum terminal. Port Mackenzie will expand its 110-acre cargo laydown area, rail spur, and barge dock with USD 34 million (EUR 28.9 million) in funding. Whittier will replace the Delong Dock, which is a year-round deepwater port to Anchorage, using USD 4.1 million (EUR 3.5 million), and the city of Chevak will plan a new barge landing facility for fuel and goods delivery using USD 2.3 million (EUR 2 million). Homer will replace an aging float system at one of Alaska’s busiest commercial fishing ports for USD 11.2 million (EUR 9.5 million), and Skagway will use USD 38.6 million (EUR 32.9 million) to construct a modern industrial dock with a new freight ramp and fuel header.
“These projects address real, on-the-ground needs at ports across Alaska improving freight movement, reliability, and day-to-day operations,” Alaska Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson said. “By strengthening these connections, we’re helping facilitate economic growth and expanding opportunities for communities across the state.”
Alaska’s congressional delegation was quick to welcome the latest round of funding.
“I am proud to have worked with my partners in the delegation who helped bring this robust funding to Alaska. From including the necessary resources in legislation to submitting joint letters of support to the department highlighting the benefits these grants will bring our ports, we worked as a team to deliver critical investments for our state,” U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in a release. “These investments will help revitalize Alaska’s ports, enhancing our ability to bring our natural resources to market, and ensure a secure supply chain for everything from bulk fuel to groceries.”
Applications for the next round of Port Infrastructure Development Program grants, which have been allocated USD 489 million (EUR 427 million) in funding, are being accepted through 27 June.
