By SUZANNE DOWNING
April 22, 2026 – More than $115 million in federal funding is headed to Alaska ports and maritime infrastructure, with projects spanning from Southcentral to Southeast and Western Alaska, Congressman Nick Begich announced Wednesday.
The money was announced at the same timeframe that the Alaska Senate passed HJR 14, supporting Port MacKenzie. Port Mac was one of the recipients of the federal grant awards.
The funding, awarded through the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), includes seven projects across Alaska totaling $115.4 million, by far the largest share of the 38 grants issued nationwide.
“Major infrastructure investments are coming directly to Alaska,” Begich said. “This funding strengthens economic growth and delivers important improvements for Alaska’s communities. These projects will modernize critical infrastructure, improve freight mobility, and ensure that Alaska is competitive and prepared as we prepare for economic growth in Alaska.”
Among the largest awards is $34 million for the Port MacKenzie Multimodal Port Expansion, a project long viewed by state leaders as key to unlocking Interior resource development and expanding export capacity. The federal investment comes the same day the Alaska Senate passed House Joint Resolution 14, a measure supporting completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and signaling the state’s commitment to the project.
“Alaska’s ports are the economic lifelines of our communities,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy. “These investments will modernize critical infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the supply chains Alaskans depend on every day. I want to thank Secretary Duffy and the Trump Administration for their commitment to advancing Alaska.”
Senate passes HJR 14, supporting Port MacKenzie Rail Extension
The Senate approved HJR 14 by an 18-1 vote, following unanimous passage in the House in 2025. Lawmakers say the resolution strengthens Alaska’s position for additional federal funding and public-private partnerships tied to the rail extension and port expansion.
Supporters argue the combined port and rail infrastructure would connect Interior Alaska’s resource base, including mining and energy development—to a deep-water port, improving supply chains and lowering transportation costs.
Projects receiving funding include:
- $38.6 million for the Port of Skagway Industrial Dock Redevelopment Project
- $20.4 million for the Alaska Railroad Corporation’s Port of Whittier Operational Efficiency Project
- $11.24 million for the City of Homer Port Coastal Freight Project
- $4.7 million for the Municipality of Anchorage Petroleum Terminal Replacement Planning Project
- $4.07 million for the City of Whittier Delong Dock Replacement design work
- $2.35 million for the City of Chevak’s Cev’aq River Marine Barge Landing Facility
Homer Mayor Rachel Lord said the investment will have a direct impact on local economies that depend on reliable port access.
“Modern, reliable port infrastructure is critical to our local and regional economy, from the movement of freight and commercial fishing to subsistence harvest access and tourism,” Lord said. “I appreciate Congressman Begich’s efforts to secure meaningful infrastructure investments for Alaska and for recognizing the importance of ports like Homer to our state’s future.”
The Port Infrastructure Development Program is designed to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of U.S. ports, with a focus on freight movement and economic competitiveness.
