On April 22, 2026, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced Alaska’s receipt of a $115.4 million grant from the federal government to develop and restore the state’s port infrastructure. This money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program and will fund seven separate projects in Alaska as follows:

• The Alaska Railroad Company will receive $20.4 million to upgrade the railroad tunnel connecting Whittier and its port to the Railroad’s main line. The tunnel was originally built during World War II, but was upgraded to allow vehicle use in 2000.
• In addition to repairs to the Whitter Tunnel, the City of Whitter will receive $4.1 million to begin designing a replacement for Delong Dock. The Delong Dock is the nearest deep-water port to Anchorage.
• The Municipality of Anchorage will receive $4.7 million to aid in planning the replacement of a petroleum terminal damaged by earthquakes at the Don Young Port of Alaska.
• $34 million will be used to make barge dock improvements and add a cargo laydown area and rail spur at Port Mackenzie, across the Knik Arm from Anchorage.
• $11.2 million will go to replace the float system at the Homer dock.
• In Chevak, located in Western Alaska just inland of Hooper Bay, $2.35 million will be used to plan a new barge facility.
• In Skagway, $38.6 million will be used to build a modern industrial dock.

The timeline for completion of these projects is yet to be announced and will vary project to project. Regardless, shipping companies operating in Alaska might want to consider beginning to develop plans for how to best utilize these new ports and improvements. Additionally, organizations operating in the government contracting and construction spaces might have opportunities to assist in these development projects.

This article summarizes aspects of the law and opinions that are solely those of the authors. This article does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice regarding your situation, you should contact an attorney.