06.28.24

Murkowski, Sullivan Celebrate Significant Investments in Rural Alaska

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement of over $53 million in grants for rural Alaska from the United States Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. These awards are part of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, and aim to revitalize freight and transportation infrastructure.

“These grants provide critical assistance to rural communities across Alaska,” Senator Murkowski said. “For Wrangell and Nulato, the modernization of port infrastructure is integral to the success and well-being of communities. The remaining grant will tend to the Alaska Highway, which as I experienced during my recent visit to the Interior is in a state of disrepair. This grant will allow for substantial restorations that will alleviate the damage caused by permafrost thawing and general wear-and-tear. Alaskans rely on this highway as a vital linkage to the Lower 48, as well as use by the military, commerce, and emergency services. These funds will spur projects that will create new opportunities with better access and core infrastructure for Alaskans across the state.”

“Alaska is a young, resource-rich, infrastructure-poor state, which means our state needs the substantial federal infrastructure investments that other states have benefited from for decades,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Two RAISE grants announced today, totaling about $29 million, will offer two communities off the road system—Wrangell and Nulato—with much-needed upgrades to their aging port infrastructure, providing safer and more reliable access for their residents. A third $25 million grant invests in the resilience of the Alaska Highway, our state’s only year-round road artery to the Lower 48, which we rely on for a large percentage of our commerce and to effectively respond to emergencies and military operations. I’m glad to see these significant federal resources being deployed to update our communities’ vital infrastructure and ultimately improve the lives and well-being of Alaskans.”

“Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Representative Peltola, the City and Borough of Wrangell extends heartfelt gratitude for your advocacy, securing the $25,000,000 RAISE Grant for the Wrangell Harbor Basin Revitalization and Transportation Resiliency Project. This transformative investment will ensure our community's success and economic growth. As you know, harbors are the centerpiece of Wrangell and our way of life. Your understanding of the unique challenges facing our community, coupled with your tireless efforts on our behalf were instrumental in securing this critical funding.  Thank you for representing Wrangell's best interests.” 

– Patricia Gilbert, Mayor, City and Borough of Wrangell

“The Nulato Tribal Council is incredibly grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding this RAISE Planning Grant, which will advance our goal of developing Nulato's waterfront transportation infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency around our docks. This will include a designated barge docking and offloading area, refueling infrastructure, multiple safety features, and warehouse space. This generous grant will be used to complete all necessary engineering design, field studies, planning, and permitting required to develop a shovel-ready project that will provide lasting benefits to the community of Nulato. The Tribe would like to thank all who contributed letters of support for this project including Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, Representative Peltola, and many state, tribal, and local representatives.”

– Gloria Patsy, First Chief, Nulato Tribe

Alaska Award Recipients

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