Murkowski Clarifies Confusion over Alaska's Eligibility in 'Cash for Clunkers' Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said today that Alaskans can participate in the Cash for Clunkers program, despite a glitch on a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) website that generated confusion over whether Alaska was eligible.

 

Murkowski received numerous phone calls today from Alaska auto dealers concerned that Alaska was being left out of the program. In order to participate, dealers have to ensure that a trade-in car is transferred to a disposal facility on a DOT list. But when dealers tried to access the information, no Alaska facilities appeared on the list.

 

DOT officials today assured Murkowski that there are a number of disposal facilities in the state, and that Alaska will be able to participate.

 

Under the Cash for Clunkers program, eligible owners of gas guzzling automobiles  will receive a credit, up to $4,500, if they turn them in and buy or lease a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. Congress created the program in an effort to spur new car sales in the battered auto industry.

 

DOT officials told Murkowski’s office that they were trying to update their website (www.cars.gov) with a list of approved Alaska disposal facilities. They said there were at least five such facilities located in Anchorage, Juneau and Kodiak.