How Alaska is spending federal infrastructure dollars

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The federal government has announced $8.8 billion in funds toward Alaska infrastructure projects. The highest share of these funds are going toward transportation projects, at 43.7%, which this analysis will cover more thoroughly in the next section.

Perhaps surprisingly, Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area received the most federal funding in the state at $448.4 million, despite not being the most populous. However, that only includes projects where White House data specified the borough, leaving out billions of dollars across hundreds of projects.

Some of the largest non-transportation projects in Alaska were funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment Program; the Program Upgrading Our Electric Grid and Ensuring Reliability and Resiliency; the Inland Flood Risk Management Projects; and others.

Where Alaska infrastructure dollars are going
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Transportation projects dominate overall infrastructure funding allocations, according to the data. Just over half of federal dollars announced so far are geared toward transportation projects across the country. Within the category, most funding has been doled out to build, repair, or modernize roads, bridges, and other major projects. The same is true in Alaska, where 62.6% of transportation funds are going toward these.

Some initiatives, like the National Highway Performance Program and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, provided specific allocations to states to invest in broad categories. Others were awarded through applications for more specific expansion or repair projects. A few of the large titled projects in Alaska include:
- $250 million in Major Rehabilitation for Rivers and Harbors funding for the Alaska Regional Ports (Port Of Nome Modification)
- $93 million in Ferry Service for Rural Communities funding for the diesel-electric ferry for rural southwest Alaska
- $72 million in Ferry Service for Rural Communities funding for the ferry service funding

This is a snapshot of allocations as of July, but new projects are announced every couple of weeks. With so much funding going into the nation's infrastructure, residents are likely to encounter working crews and new features wherever they travel—whether driving, by plane, on public transit, or otherwise—for years to come. Lawmakers hope that these efforts will modernize the nation, enhance safety and resilience, all the while creating jobs and boosting American industries.

This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

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