M/V Tustumena Replacement Vessel (Grant Overview)
M/V Tustumena Replacement Vessel (Grant Overview)
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) remains a pivotal, reliable, and safe connector for Alaskan coastal communities. Spanning over 3,500 miles of navigable waterways, AMHS connects a wide array of ports, towns, and cities from Southeast to Southwest Alaska. It notably benefits those in Justice40 areas by providing essential access to work, education, and healthcare services. The existing M/V Tustumena, having served reliably for almost six decades, is due for retirement. Its proposed successor, the Tustumena Replacement Vessel (TRV), is designed with compatibility for various docks and tidal ranges, catering to 13 ports between Homer and Unalaska and synchronizing with 22 other AMHS dock communities. This strategic route, vital for the U.S. Coast Guard and encompassing Dutch Harbor, America's premier fishing port, holds immense significance. The TRV design integrates modern hull technologies, ensuring fuel efficiency, adherence to EPA standards, and increased passenger and vehicle capacity.
DOT&PF has been awarded funds through the FTA Ferry Programs for Rural Communities:
2022 Ferry Programs:
- Federal Award: $68,488,384
- State Match: $17,122,096
2023 Ferry Programs:
- Federal Award: $92,786,400
- State Match: $23,196,600
DOT&PF continues to explore funding options through the following applications:
2023-2024 MPDG INFRA: The total project cost is $324,870,000. We're seeking a grant of $194,922,000, representing 60% of this cost. Recent amendments to the IIJA concerning 23 USC 218 allow AMHS to receive federal funds at 100% federal contribution, however, Alaska will commit 10% ($32,487,000) in match. In general, our approach embraces innovative funding strategies, like toll credits, to construct this vital project.
2025-2026 MPDG INFRA: DOT&PF requested a grant of $73,965,912 and commits to a state match of $11,131,870.