Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on April 22, 2026, that Alaska secured more than $115.4 million in federal grants through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Port Infrastructure Development Program.
Seven Alaska projects were selected out of 37 awarded nationally, spanning 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."
These projects address real, on-the-ground needs at ports across Alaska —improving freight movement, reliability and day-to-day operations, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson said. "By strengthening these connections, we're helping facilitate economic growth and expanding opportunities for communities across the state."
The awards will fund a broad range of port improvements across the state.
In south-central Alaska, the Alaska Railroad Corp. will receive $20.4 million to upgrade the railroad tunnel connecting the Port of Whittier to the ARRC mainline and buy 30 new railcars, while the municipality of Anchorage secured $4.7 million to plan the replacement of a petroleum terminal damaged in recent earthquakes.
The state of Alaska will receive $34 million to expand Port Mackenzie with a 110-acre cargo laydown area, rail spur and barge dock improvements.
The city of Whittier will receive $4.1 million to design a replacement for the Delong Dock, the closest year-round deepwater port to Anchorage.
The Alaska Railroad Corp. will receive $20.4 million to upgrade the railroad tunnel connecting the Port of Whittier to the railroad's mainline track.
In Homer, $11.2 million will replace the aging float system at one of Alaska's busiest commercial fishing ports.
In southeast Alaska, Skagway secured $38.6 million to construct a modern industrial dock with a RORO freight ramp and integrated fuel header.
In rural western Alaska, the city of Chevak will receive $2.35 million to plan a new barge landing facility — the community's only link for fuel and goods delivery.
The Port Infrastructure Development Program is administered by the Maritime Administration and awards grants competitively based on safety, efficiency, port resilience and workforce development criteria.
