U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, celebrated the announcement of over $187 million from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act heading to Alcan, Alaska for the design and construction of a new Alcan Land Port of Entry (ALCAN) Border Station. Constructed in 1971, the ALCAN is the most isolated land port of entry between the US and Canada, processing commercial truck traffic, in addition to buses and privately-owned vehicles. This new ALCAN port will improve processing efficiency and boost supply chains, create jobs, and strengthen border security.
“The bipartisan infrastructure law is bringing real results to Alaskans, benefitting our entire state,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “As Alaskans face the rising costs of daily life, this new border station will make our state safer and healthier, not only by bolstering our border security, but by boosting our economy with good paying jobs and work opportunities. Our 1,538-mile border with Canada only has five land ports of entry—making this project even more important. The bipartisan infrastructure law is delivering tangible results to Alaska—from investing in our port and airport infrastructure, enhancing climate efforts, to strengthening border security—all creating a brighter future for Alaska’s children.”
“The ALCAN is a vital transportation artery for Alaska, carrying tens of millions of dollars’ worth of commerce and essential goods for Alaskans. This is our state’s major land link to the rest of the continent. I’m glad to see this important piece of infrastructure getting a much-needed upgrade thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill. With these investments, Alaska’s Tok facility will be able to operate in a more efficient manner, with fewer weather-related interruptions, helping our border professionals fulfill their duties, protect our communities, and keep our economy humming,” said Senator Dan Sullivan.
“Our nation's land ports are essential to our economy and way of life. This is especially true as we work to strengthen our supply chains and recover from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska's climate and terrain are unlike any other. For this reason, the ALCAN land port has been a critical piece of infrastructure, withstanding some of the world's harshest weather conditions as trade is facilitated through Canada. After more than 50 years, it is time to bring this port into the 21st Century. I am very grateful to the GSA for recognizing the great need for investments in the ALCAN port. This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will go a long way toward maximizing efficiency, spurring economic growth, and bolstering our national security. Once completed, the new port will also aid us in our continued efforts to stop human trafficking and keep lethal drugs like fentanyl out of our communities. When Congress drafted the infrastructure bill, I worked hard to represent Alaska with a powerful voice. It was my honor to help whip the votes to get this bill across the finish line in the House. Seeing ongoing federal support arrive to our state on an almost weekly basis is proof of our Delegation's continued commitment to securing strong, reliable Alaskan infrastructure for generations to come,” said Congressman Don Young.
Background: The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The law provides historic investments into roads, bridges, ports, airports, broadband, ferries, water and wastewater, resilience, and energy projects—modernizing and upgrading the nation’s core infrastructure. Senator Murkowski was a lead author and negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure package, and garnered support by the entire Alaska Congressional Delegation.
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