Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205
05/13/2025 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Tentative Advertising Schedule (tas) and Federal Funding Update, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (dotpf) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
May 13, 2025
1:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Löki Tobin, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Mike Shower
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): TENTATIVE ADVERTISING SCHEDULE (TAS) AND
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE~ DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES (DOTPF)
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
ANDY MILLS, Special Assistant
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented the Tentative Advertising
Schedule (TAS) and Federal Funding Update presentation.
DOM PANNONE, Director
Program Management and Administration
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented the Tentative Advertising
Schedule (TAS) and Federal Funding Update.
KIRK MILLER, Preconstruction Engineer
Southcoast Region
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented the Tentative Advertising
Schedule (TAS) and Federal Funding Update.
LUKE BOWLAND, Preconstruction Engineer
Central Region
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented the Tentative Advertising
Schedule (TAS) and Federal Funding Update.
ALBERT BECK, Preconstruction Engineer
Northern Region
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented the Tentative Advertising
Schedule (TAS) and Federal Funding Update.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:40:27 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Tobin, Shower, Stedman, Kiehl and Chair
Bjorkman.
^PRESENTATION(S): TENTATIVE ADVERTISING SCHEDULE (TAS) AND
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (DOTPF)
PRESENTATION(S): TENTATIVE ADVERTISING SCHEDULE (TAS) AND
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (DOTPF)
1:41:06 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the presentation, Tentative Advertising
Schedule (TAS) and Federal Funding Update by Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF).
1:42:01 PM
ANDY MILLS, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF),
Juneau, Alaska, said this presentation would provide an update
on the Tentative Advertising Schedule (TAS) and federal funding.
He gave a brief overview of the presentation. He noted that the
information on the slides is the same information DOTPF has
given to the Association of General Contractors (AGC).
1:43:46 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked about the conversations DOTPF has had with
ACG.
1:44:25 PM
MR. MILLS deferred the question.
1:45:14 PM
MR. MILLS noted that the preconstruction engineers would taking
part in the presentation.
1:45:31 PM
MR. MILLS advanced to slide 2 and discussed project delivery:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Project and Program Delivery Update
• Utility Relocations included in project scope -
Build America/Buy America (BABA) compliance
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Cold
Weather Construction
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Alaska
Office Update
• August Redistribution is the focus on track and
working with FHWA
MR. MILLS discussed Build America/Buy America (BABA) compliance,
which is hindering project delivery. He said DOTPF is taking the
utility relocation elements and placing them into the
construction contract, rather than working directly with the
utility. He stated that this is not the normal procedure and is
not preferred; however, it is a plausible path that allows DOTPF
to advance those projects. He briefly explained how the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) Cold Weather Construction includes
a provision that allows DOTPF to commit some funding prior to an
agreement. This allows DOTPF to consider accelerating certain
projects.
1:49:59 PM
DOM PANNONE, Director, Program Management and Administration,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF),
Juneau, Alaska, referred to slide 2 and provided a federal
funding update:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Project and Program Delivery Update
• Utility Relocations included in project scope -
Build America/Buy America (BABA) compliance
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Cold
Weather Construction
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Alaska
Office Update
• August Redistribution is the focus on track and
working with FHWA
MR. PANNONE said that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Alaska Office is 33 percent staffed (roughly 2/3 of the
positions are vacant). He briefly discussed the new division
administrator. He recognized the effort of DOTPF staff who have
worked on project delivery.
1:51:48 PM
MR. PANNONE advanced to slide 3 and discussed the current year's
FHWA funding:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Current Year Federal Funding: FHWA
Pre-August Redistribution, 4/30/2025: $581,544,416
Obligated to Date: $244.7M
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP)
Amendment 2 in final stages of review
MR. PANNONE said the $244.7 million is obligated formula funds,
which are subject to limitation. An additional $100 million has
been obligated - those funds are not subject to limitation. He
explained that "limitation" refers to the amount of allocated
funding that DOTPF can spend each year. The current year's
limitation is $581 million. August redistribution could be $126
million (this is in addition to the $581 million).
1:53:01 PM
MR. PANNONE advanced to slide 4 and discussed movement on grants
from the prior administration. Slide 4 contains a chart showing
a recent batch of approved grants. These include two SMART
grants and funding for small community air service and avalanche
mitigation. He noted positive discussions with federal-state
government liaisons regarding the rural ferry program.
1:54:06 PM
MR. PANNONE advanced to slide 5 and discussed future federal
funding:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Future Federal Funding
May 2, 2025: Trump Administrations released a slimmed-
down
Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 budget request to
Congress. The bill reflected an overall increase of
5.8 percent in funding levels from FFY2025.
• INFRA Discretionary Grants: $2.3 billion ($770M
above FY2025 levels)
• FRA CRISI Grants: $1.5 billion ($400M above
FY2025 levels)
• FAA Essential Air Service: $142 million ($308M
below FY2025 levels)
• MARAD Port Infrastructure: $1 billion ($500M
above FY2025 levels)
Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA)
Federal Rail Administration (FRA)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Maritime Administration (MARAD)
MR. PANNONE said DOTPF is monitoring the funding to ensure it
aligns with the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP). DOTPF is working with state partners to advocate for
viable programs that will benefit Alaskans.
1:55:07 PM
SENATOR TOBIN repeated her earlier question about how DOTPF is
communicating with AGC about the future of federal funding. She
referred to a letter from AGC that mentioned quarterly meetings
and asked for an update about those conversations.
1:55:39 PM
MR. PANNONE noted an increase in meetings with AGC and said the
preconstruction engineers would provide additional information.
1:56:25 PM
MR. MILLS added that DOTPF recently had a constructive
conversation with the Alaska Council of Engineering Companies
(ACEC). He briefly discussed the meeting and provided examples.
He shared his understanding that ACEC co-authored the letter
along with AGC.
1:57:18 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked about the timeline for the Point MacKenzie
rail extension funding.
1:57:40 PM
MR. MILLS said that there is no specific timeframe; however, an
award usually comes within six months of funding approval. He
offered to provide additional details when available.
1:58:24 PM
KIRK MILLER, Preconstruction Engineer, Southcoast Region,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF),
Juneau, Alaska, advanced to slide 6 and explained that each
region would provide an overview of the expected project bid
advertisements on the TAS. He said TAS is organized by region
and includes projects that DOTPF anticipates will advertise in
the next 12 months. Projects are removed from TAS as they are
advertised, and new projects are added. He briefly discussed the
TAS website.
1:59:13 PM
MR. MILLER advanced to slide 7 and discussed the Southcoast
Region TAS current confidence assessment:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Southcoast Region TAS Current Confidence Assessment
• 28 Projects are on the current SR TAS list thru
next 12-months totaling $150-$280 million in
estimated construction contract awards.
• SR project awards have been robust in the past
12-months leading to a busy 2025 construction
season and a lighter letting schedule this
spring. Recent bid advertisements by SR do
include the JNU Glacier Highway Chip Seal
Resurfacing Project (advertised April) and the
HNS Hwy MP 1-9 Drainage and Repairs (bids opened
April).
• Near term expected bid advertisements (May
July) encompass 8 Projects which include: 3
significant airport rehab projects in Kodiak,
Kokhanok and Unalaska, a drainage project in Cold
Bay and a resurfacing project in Ketchikan.
• SR has over 110 projects under active project
development phases through FFY 2029. Substantial
design work ongoing for numerous rural airports
in SW and SE Alaska, highway corridors in
Ketchikan, Chiniak and Klondike highways and
marine ferry terminal improvements for SE and SC
Alaska ferry ports (8 locations).
MR. MILLER emphasized the importance of reliability; however,
TAS is tentative due to the potential for unexpected delays.
DOTPF works to ensure TAS accuracy. DOTPF holds both monthly and
weekly meetings. A regular virtual meeting is attended widely by
the contracting community.
2:02:06 PM
MR. MILLER advanced to slide 8 and provided a Southcoast region
TAS overview for April-July 2025. Slide 8 contains a table
showing project names, current TAS date, engineering estimates
(high and low), and various other data points. He briefly
described how the table is organized. Regions are similarly
organized (not identical). This data is presented to the public
during the monthly virtual meetings (which are attended by
contractors).
2:05:18 PM
MR. MILLER said there are 8 projects remaining for May and July.
He briefly discussed each of these. He noted the Kodiak airport
project is the largest project. The Kokhanok airport project
could be delayed.
2:07:12 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked if this is a typical number of projects for
April-July.
2:07:34 PM
MR. MILLER explained that each year is unique and briefly
described the process of creating the TAS. He opined that the
2025 April-July TAS is typical; however, it could be considered
high due to the cost of the project in Kodiak.
2:08:14 PM
MR. MILLER advanced to slide 9 and provided an overview of the
Southcoast region TAS for August-November 2025. Slide 9 contains
a table showing project names, current TAS date, engineering
estimates (high and low), and various other data points. He
briefly discussed the projects. He pointed out several projects,
including one at the Auke Bay ferry terminal. He noted that a
project at the Haines airport could be delayed until FY 2027.
2:09:59 PM
MR. MILLS noted that "ER" refers to emergency response.
2:10:22 PM
MR. MILLER advanced to slide 10 and provided an overview of the
Southcoast Region TAS for December 2025 through May 2026. Slide
10 contains a table showing project names, current TAS date,
engineering estimates (high and low), and various other data
points. He said this is a longer-term list. He pointed out a
large project in Kodiak, important improvements in Craig,
several projects in Petersburg, among others.
2:12:24 PM
SENATOR TOBIN noted that large projects can run the risk of
losing funding to other higher priority projects and asked how
projects are prioritized, particularly in light of the limited
funding. She asked how DOTPF can ensure that those much-needed
projects will eventually receive funding.
2:13:00 PM
MR. MILLER said that funding projects is a challenge and nearly
all are federally funded. He offered reassurance that all DOTPF
regions work to prioritize projects according to need. He
briefly discussed the planning process with respect to airport
work.
2:13:57 PM
MR. MILLS added that discretionary grants, when available, can
offset formula funding. He indicated that DOTPF works with many
funding sources to fund the various projects.
2:14:45 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN directed attention to the Ketchikan project on
slide 8 and asked to what extent that project was impacted by
the recent landslide.
2:15:02 PM
MR. MILLER answered that the Ketchikan project is outside of the
landslide area and was not affected. He noted that the many
steep hillsides in Ketchikan carry the potential for landslides
(Juneau and Sitka carry similar landslide potential).
2:15:51 PM
LUKE BOWLAND, Preconstruction Engineer, Central Region,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF),
advanced to slide 11 and gave a brief overview of his
presentation. He noted that this data is very similar to the
data provided to AGC on May 2, 2025 (some data has been updated
to reflect progress since that date).
2:16:24 PM
MR. BOWLAND advanced to slide 12 and discussed the Central
Region bid calendar:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Central Region Current Bid Calendar (as of 5/9/2025)
• Atwood Building Code Improvements
• Central Region Facilities 2025 Job Order
Construction Contract
• Wasilla Fishhook Rd: East Seldon Rd to Tex-Al Dr
Pavement Preservation
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Gates N3 and N5 Passenger Boarding Bridge
Replacements Design-Build
• Petersburg Maintenance Shop Oil Water Separation
Systems
• ANC Airport Lighting Control System Resiliency
DesignBuild
• ANC South Terminal Employee Parking Area
Improvements
• ANC Taxilane V Gate Reconstruction
MR. BOWLAND said that these projects are managed by Central
region, the statewide public facilities team, and Anchorage
International Airport. He noted that the Central Region
facilities 2025 Job Order Construction Contract and the Wasilla
Fishhook Rd projects opened for bids the previous week.
2:17:26 PM
MR. BOWLAND advanced to slide 13 and discussed Central Region
Projects currently seeking authorization to advertise (ATA):
[Original punctuation provided.]
Central Region Projects Current Seeking Authorization
to Advertise (ATA)
• Hope Highway Milepost 12.9 Pipe Replacement
• DeArmoun Rd: E 140th Ave Hillside Dr Pavement
Preservation
• Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation
Solutions(AMATS) 88th Ave: Lake Otis Pkwy
Abbott Rd Pavement Preservation
MR. BOWLAND explained that these projects have been certified by
DOTPF and briefly described the certification process. He said
that these projects are low risk and should be added to the bid
calendar later in May or early June. He said that the Rabbit
Creek Pedestrian Bridge (not included on slide 13) has been
certified and should be on the TAS later in the month.
2:18:50 PM
MR. BOWLAND advanced to slide 14 and provided an overview of
Central Region TAS projects for February-May 2025. Slide 14
contains a table showing project names, current TAS date,
engineering estimates (high and low), and various other data
points. He noted that AGC was not given this information.
2:20:04 PM
MR. MILLS explained that slide 14 was created for the Senate
Transportation Standing Committee and contains previously funded
projects; AGC is primarily interested in upcoming/future project
data.
2:20:40 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked about the partial blue shading on the
engineering estimates on the Central Region slides.
2:20:54 PM
MR. BOWLAND said the blue shading indicates the estimated cost
of the project relative to other projects.
2:22:01 PM
MR. MILLS briefly described how the shading is created using a
formula.
2:22:50 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN sought to clarify whether the blue shading
represents a percentage of the estimate.
2:23:20 PM
MR. BOWLAND offered to clarify this further with an example. He
advanced to slide 15 and provided an overview of the Central
Region TAS for May-September 2025. Slide 15 contains a table
showing project names, current TAS date, engineering estimates
(high and low), and various other data points. He directed
attention to the August Sterling Highway project and explained
that this project has the highest estimate ($70 million); all
other projects are shown in relation to this amount.
CHAIR BJORKMAN expressed understanding and asked about the
significance of this data.
MR. BOWLAND clarified that this was used to highlight lower and
higher dollar amount projects.
2:25:09 PM
MR. BOWLAND continued to interpret slide 15. He explained the
green, yellow, and red risk levels.
2:26:04 PM
SENATOR TOBIN noted that DOTPF previously indicated $800 million
in spending for the current fiscal year. She asked about the
pace of projects to reach that goal and noted that many of the
projects listed on slide 15 are yellow (indicating a certain
level of risk). She asked for more information on how yellow and
red projects transition to green (in terms of risk).
2:27:03 PM
MR. BOWLAND said he would address delivery of each project in
upcoming slides. He added that yellow is not uncommon for
projects that DOTPF is working on, while red is more concerning.
2:27:42 PM
MR. BOWLAND advanced to slide 16 and provided an overview of
Central Region TAS projects for May 2025. Slide 16 contains a
table showing project names, current TAS date, engineering
estimates (high and low), and various other data points. He
briefly discussed each project. He indicated that the Kenai Spur
Road project is unlikely to make it to bid by the end of May and
expressed hope that it would be out to bid by June.
2:28:45 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked for an update on the outstanding utility
agreements for the Kenai Spur Road project.
2:29:00 PM
MR. BOWLAND replied that there are two outstanding agreements,
one with GCI and another with Homer Electric Association (HEA).
He explained that the GCI agreement is low risk, and the
remaining issues are related to BABA compliance. The Homer
Electric agreement is also addressing BABA requirements. He
explained the proposed solutions and indicated that there is a
path forward for that agreement. He expressed hope that all
issues would find resolution in the near future.
2:30:49 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN surmised that utility agreements are similar. He
recalled conversations with GCI and HEA regarding utility
agreements. He asked what happens when DOTPF agrees to language
from one utility but does not approve that same language from
another utility.
2:32:13 PM
MR. BOWLAND said the agreement with GCI contains the original
language from the HEA agreement. However, this language does not
necessarily apply to preconstruction agreements.
2:32:53 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN clarified that the agreement with GCI was
approved. The HEA agreement was denied - despite the language
being the same. He asked why the language was acceptable to
DOTPF for GCI but was not acceptable for HEA.
2:33:48 PM
MR. BOWLAND said there have been multiple iterations of the
language in question. He explained that the language from HEA
was further edited before GCI signed.
2:34:17 PM
MR. MILLS offered to investigate further. He added that pre-
purchased materials can impact the circumstances of the
contracts, despite similar contractual language.
2:34:51 PM
MR. BOWLAND continued with slide 16. He briefly discussed the
status of the projects listed. DOTPF is working with the Alaska
Railroad on the remaining utility complication for the Seward
Highway MP 90-99 Pavement Preservation project. He said
coordination efforts are going well and the project, which is
considered minimal risk, will likely shift from May to June TAS.
2:35:58 PM
MR. BOWLAND advanced to slide 17 and provided an overview of the
Central Region TAS for June and July. Slide 17 contains a table
showing project names, current TAS date, engineering estimates
(high and low), and various other data points. He indicated that
the Kachemak Drive, Anchor Point Road, and AMATS: 88th Ave
projects likely be out to bid soon. The Anchorage International
Airport (ANC) project is facing utility agreement and
environmental complications and may be moved to July. The ANC
Kulis Ramp, Sterling Highway and Kalifornsky Beach Road projects
are on track for June. The Victory Road project is facing
utility agreement and encroachment issues but remains on track
for July. ANC PFAS remediation and Whittier Tunnel backup
generator projects are on track for July.
2:38:57 PM
MR. BOWLAND advanced to slide 18 and provided an overview of the
Central Region TAS for August and September 2025. Slide 18
contains a table showing project names, current TAS date,
engineering estimates (high and low), and various other data
points. He noted that several projects are yellow, indicating
that there is some risk. He briefly discussed each project. He
indicated that the Palmer-Fishook project is facing
environmental concerns and may be held up until October or
November. The Wasilla-Fishook may shift to advertising in the
fall. The Sterling Highway project is addressing temporary
property interests and has some risk with utility agreements;
this project is likely to advertise after September.
2:42:03 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether the confidence level for the
Sterling Highway project has changed since February.
2:42:15 PM
MR. BOWLAND replied that the confidence level for that project
has been red for quite some time. He continued to discuss the
projects on slide 18. The Glenn Highway project is on track for
September. He briefly explained the intention and need behind
the Hollywood Road project and said this project will likely be
moved to later in the fall. The Kenai Spur Highway, Seward
Highway, and ANC Taxiway projects are on track for September.
2:45:00 PM
MR. MILLS referred to the critical path for the ANC Taxiway
project and clarified that "SHPO" is the State Historic
Preservation Office.
2:45:19 PM
ALBERT BECK, Preconstruction Engineer, Northern Region,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF),
advanced to slide 20 and shared the Northern Region bid calendar
as of May 13, 2025:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Northern Region Current Bid Calendar as of 5/13/2025
• Buckland Airport Improvements
• Copper River Hwy MP 2.4 Drainage Improvements
• Cumming Road Surfacing Upgrades
• Dalton Highway MP 90-104 Resurfacing
2:45:59 PM
MR. BECK advanced to slide 21 and listed the Northern Region
projects that are seeking authority to advertise (ATA):
[Original punctuation provided.]
Northern Region Project Current Seeking ATA
• Chena Ridge Road and Chena Pump Road Resurfacing
• Dalton Hwy Yukon River Bridge 0271 Redecking
• Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST)
Planning Area Surface Upgrades
2:46:52 PM
MR. BECK advanced to slide 22 and provided an overview of the
Northern Region TAS for late February through early May 2025.
Slide 22 contains a table showing project names, current TAS
date, engineering estimates (high and low), and various other
data points. He said the list is a mix of projects that have
been advertised, have open bids, or are still being advertised.
He noted the range in project value. He directed attention to
the Richardson Highway and Dalton Highway projects and said
these were not included in the initial 2025 construction plan.
DOTPF accelerated these to provide additional projects to the
contracting community.
2:48:24 PM
SENATOR KIEHL noted that the Dalton Highway project is estimated
to cost $10-20 million and is on day one of advertising. He
noted the timing and asked whether DOTPF anticipates that work
to be done during the 2025 construction season.
2:48:58 PM
MR. BECK replied yes. He said that project was specifically
identified as a "fast delivery" project. He explained that the
State of Alaska has a materials stockpile that DOTPF made
available for the contractor's use (the contractor would
replenish materials during the shoulder season).
2:49:37 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether the same is true of other large
projects on the list.
2:49:51 PM
MR. BECK replied that Dalton Highway is unique because of the
large supply stockpile. He said DOTPF anticipates that work will
begin on many of the projects - though it may carry over to the
following year. He explained that the [Richardson Highway 0-7
mile] project is expected to be completed in 2025.
2:50:36 PM
SENATOR TOBIN noted the large number of projects and contrasted
this with the population density of the Northern region. She
asked whether this is a typical preconstruction amount for the
Northern region. She asked for context on how this compares to
Central region in previous years.
2:51:18 PM
MR. BECK replied that he does not have the experience to know
whether the volume of projects is typical or how it compares to
previous years. He offered to investigate this and provide
additional information to the committee.
2:51:51 PM
MR. MILLS provided additional context. He agreed that the
Northern Region has a smaller population; however, the
geographical area is larger than the state of Texas. There are
substantial (and costly) infrastructure needs. He noted that the
Northern region has a good delivery rate, in spite of being a
difficult area for construction (due to permafrost, etc.).
2:52:32 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed concern and reiterated that she would
like to see a comparison between the Northern and Central
regions.
2:52:52 PM
MR. BOWLAND replied that every project is different, and each
year has a different variety of projects, which makes year to
year comparison difficult. He said there are a number of
projects left to deliver for 2025 along with those that have
been delivered. He said that the Central region 2025 project
list is similar to the previous 2-3 years.
2:53:34 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked about limited assets, project load, and
population density and how this impacts projects for the Central
region.
2:54:10 PM
MR. MILLS replied that higher population density can create
complications for potential right-of-way acquisition, utility
relocation, among other things. However, rural areas tend to
have more historical and cultural sights that must be
considered. He stated that it is project and area dependent.
2:54:47 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked Mr. Beck to continue his presentation and
highlight any challenging projects.
2:55:00 PM
MR. BECK advanced to slide 23 and provided an overview of the
Northern region TAS for May to August 2025. Slide 23 contains a
table showing project names, current TAS date, engineering
estimates (high and low), and various other data points. He
noted an extremely high confidence level. The Chena Pump Road
project is currently seeking authority to advertise. This might
move the project to late May or early June. DOTPF is working
through pre-advertisement requirements for the Seppala Drive and
Fairbanks International Airport projects. He said there are
issues to address; however, the Fairbanks International Airport
project is nearing internal review status.
2:56:10 PM
MR. BECK advanced to slide 24 and provided an overview of the
Northern region TAS for October 2025 to April 2026. Slide 24
contains a table showing project names, current TAS date,
engineering estimates (high and low), and various other data
points. He said AGC requested a yearly overview and a forecast
for the winter and early spring for 2026. He highlighted the
Richardson Highway project, which is higher risk. He explained
that DOTPF is working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
on a highway easement deed. This would transfer the land to
DOTPF and provide DOTPF right-of-way to build the project. The
project is considered "at risk" until DOTPF receives approval.
He directed attention to the projects that have not reached 95
percent review completion and said this is not an indication
that those projects will be delayed. The yellow risk level
indicates areas where resources and staffing should be
prioritized in order to complete utility agreements,
environmental documents, etc.
2:58:39 PM
SENATOR KIEHL commented that airports are doing well and asked
for an update on getting projects to bid, particularly with
respect to highways and bridges. He shared his understanding
that there is $30-$60 million out to bid and surmised that DOTPF
has not met the confidence level predicted in February.
2:59:40 PM
MR. MILLS briefly explained his method to determine whether
DOTPF has reached the level of projects requested by AGC and
others. He opined that DOTPF has reached that level. He
acknowledged that some elements predicted in February are not
present; however, he pointed out that some of the missing
elements are outside of the control of DOTPF. He said DOTPF will
push to ensure those projects move forward and offered the
Northern region Richardson Highway project (which is dependent
upon a highway easement deed from BLM) as one example.
3:00:59 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN turned the discussion to the upcoming August
redistribution. He asked how DOTPF is progressing toward the
goal of capturing the full $126 million in available
redistribution funds. He noted that DOTPF previously expressed a
high level of confidence and asked if anything has changed. He
asked about actions the Legislature could take to help DOTPF
reach this goal.
3:01:22 PM
MR. MILLS said that DOTPF and FHWA are focused on ensuring that
DOTPF is preparing for - and attempting to capture - all
possible August redistribution funds (pending STIP Amendment 2).
3:02:18 PM
MR. PANNONE agreed that DOTPF is focused on capturing the
entirety of the August redistribution funds. He noted several
changes in 2025, including flexible funding options and working
with metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) to shift funds in
new ways. He described several ways DOTPF is working to ensure
concerns are addressed well ahead of time. He expressed high
confidence that DOTPF is doing everything possible and is on
track to capture the August redistribution funds.
3:03:30 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN referred to a letter DOTPF received from
engineers and AGC outlining shared language for metrics and
progress measurements. He asked if DOTPF is willing to adopt
that language in order to ensure clear communication regarding
where projects are in the process.
MR. MILLS replied that DOTPF is open to this. He shared his
understanding that some of the some of the elements addressed in
that letter were related to DOTPF sharing data that DOTPF is
collecting. Other concerns were related to the Data
Modernization and Innovation Office (DMIO). He stated that DOTPF
is seeking information from contractors to ensure visibility of
their element of project delivery. He opined that all parties
would benefit from a better understanding of all links in the
chain.
3:05:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN thanked the presenters.
3:05:41 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 3:05 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| DOTPF TAS and Fed Funding Update 05132025.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2025 1:30:00 PM |
|
| DOT&PF response to questions on 0513 UPDATED.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2025 1:30:00 PM |