State transportation officials are accepting comment through Sept. 3 on the draft four-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for surface transportation preservation and development, from highways and trails to the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Deputy Commissioner Katherine Keith of the Department of Transportation and Public Services said the draft STIP will allow the public to review projects by community, region, or investment area, on issues ranging from safety and economic vitality to resiliency.
The new STIP will allow the department and the public to analyze how investments are being made by geographic region, legislative district, by mode, or by corridor, Keith said.
The plan also takes a measured approach to major projects—many projects with construction estimates over $100 million will be phased over several years. Phasing allows for a healthy contractor community throughout the state—more contractors can compete both in terms of capabilities and frequency of the jobs.
The public is encouraged to review and leave comments on the document at www.dot.alaska.gov/stip, and public comments may also be submitted via text to 855-925-2801 or via phone voice message at 855-925-2801, code 2191.
