Mayor LaFrance celebrates $4.7 million federal grant to advance Don Young Port of Alaska modernization

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance announced today that the Municipality of Anchorage has been awarded $4.7 million in federal funding to help advance the Don Young Port of Alaska Modernization Program (PAMP). The grant will fund the planning and design for the replacement of a petroleum terminal damaged in the 2018 earthquake.

The funding is awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).

The entire port modernization program is estimated to cost $2.8 billion and is being funded primarily through shipping surcharges and federal and state contributions. Each dollar in state or federal funding will reduce shipping surcharges by about $2.50, saving Alaskans money on the cost of groceries, fuel and essential goods.

"Every federal dollar for the PAMP is a win for our entire state, because a modern, resilient facility means a more secure and affordable future for Alaska," said Mayor LaFrance. "I want to thank Senator Lisa Murkowski for her continued advocacy and work to secure this funding, which will help us preserve an economic lifeline and lower the cost of living for Alaskans by reducing the need for surcharges."

The Don Young Port of Alaska is the state's primary inbound marine cargo hub, supplying over 150 communities and 90% of Alaska residents with essential goods, including food, construction materials, and fuel for commercial and military aviation.

The current facility's aging, corroded docks are at risk of failure in a significant earthquake, posing a threat to Alaska's supply chain and food security. The PAMP is replacing the Port's failing infrastructure with modern, seismically resilient terminals.

Three of the PAMP's eight major projects have been completed to date. Work on the next phase, the reconstruction of Cargo Terminal 1, began in March and is expected to be completed in 2029.

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Contact: Emily Goodykoontz [email protected] 1 (907) 205-6683 ​

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