Introduction to the Alaska 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

Comment Period is Now Closed - Stay Tuned, Responses Will Be Forthcoming!

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is a vital framework that directly impacts the transportation infrastructure of our state. Serving as a crucial planning tool for the DOT&PF, the STIP guides efforts to maintain, enhance, and expand Alaska's transportation system. It is a comprehensive document that outlines transportation programs and projects scheduled for implementation over a four-year period. These initiatives encompass a wide range of activities, including highway improvements, bridge repairs, waterways projects, public transportation enhancements, and more.

State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, 2024 through 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program or STIP. This is the draft for public comment, published July 2023. More information is at dot.alaska.gov/stwdlng/cip/stip. Cover photo: View of Northern Lights through the old Knik River Bridge and headlights from the new Knik River Bridge on the Old Glenn Highway in Palmer, taken February 2019 by Lisa Torkelson, Alaska DOT&PF

As Alaskans, we recognize that our transportation system is the backbone connecting our communities, businesses, and industries. The STIP plays a pivotal role in increasing the safety of our transportation system, ensuring its proper maintenance, promoting statewide economic growth, and enhancing resilience and sustainability in our systems and communities. Through the STIP, we can strategically plan and prioritize transportation investments to address the evolving needs and challenges of our state. The STIP provides a transparent and accountable process for allocating resources and managing transportation projects. It aligns our objectives with the State's priorities as outlined in the Capital Budget approved by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor, as well as federal requirements to maintain eligibility for federal funding opportunities. This systematic and fully aligned approach enables us to effectively leverage both state and federal resources, maximizing the impact on our transportation infrastructure.

Beyond its significance for the DOT&PF, the STIP is a valuable tool for the general public. It offers a clear and concise overview of planned transportation projects, providing visibility and transparency to the residents of Alaska. By understanding the projects outlined in the STIP, individuals can stay informed about upcoming improvements in their communities, make necessary arrangements, and even provide valuable feedback on proposed initiatives. This transparency is also important for our contracting and consulting partners across the state, allowing their businesses to thrive with confidence in the expected work opportunities in the coming years.

The STIP serves as a guiding document for project development and funding allocation, outlining priorities and schedules for transportation projects to ensure efficient and effective resource allocation. It is an indispensable tool that shapes both the present and future of Alaska's transportation infrastructure. By familiarizing yourself with the STIP, staying engaged in the process, and actively participating, you can help us build a safer, more efficient, and well-connected transportation system that serves the needs of our great state.

2023-2030 Time Horizon

In an effort to provide a broader perspective and more comprehensive understanding of our Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), we have decided to expand the time horizon. Even though our fiscal constraint period remains 2024-2027, we include the years 2023 and 2028-2030 in materials.

The year 2023 is added as a reference point, providing context, and allowing us to see the immediate past as we step into the STIP's fiscal constraint period. This addition will aid in understanding the progression of projects, from planning to implementation, providing clarity on the processes and efforts that led us to our current position.

For the years 2028-2030, they are included as illustrative years, providing a forward-looking snapshot into the future of STIP projects. While these projects are not part of the fiscally constrained STIP for 2024-2027, they offer a glimpse into our strategic vision for the following years. It’s important to note that these future years are illustrative, and the actual projects may be subject to changes based on future funding scenarios, evolving transportation needs, and policy changes.

The inclusion of these additional years aims to improve understanding of the strategic direction and continuity of STIP projects. It is a part of our ongoing commitment to provide more comprehensive, transparent, and accessible information to all stakeholders.

 

Click here for project summaries, Draft 2024 to 2027 STIP

DRAFT STIP 2024-2027 Project Summaries

A table has been created to present a concise summary of our projects, aiming to provide a clear understanding without overwhelming users with excessive details. It offers a quick overview, including project name, location, construction year(s), and year-by-year funding total. Filters are available to refine the view based on personal preferences. This simplified presentation enables a comprehensive understanding while allowing for the exploration of specific projects.

Click here for detailed project table, Draft 2024 to 2027 STIP

DRAFT STIP 2024-2027 Detailed Table

The provided link offers a detailed table designed for those skilled with data sets. It presents a comprehensive view of the STIP projects and programs, including in-depth information such as funding source, work type, and voting district. The table is tailored to meet the needs of individuals seeking intricate details and technical insights. Utilizing this information, valuable insights can be extracted by delving deeper into the projects.

Click here for Draft STIP Dashboard, Draft 2024 to 2027 STIP

DRAFT STIP 2024-2027 Dashboards

The provided link is your gateway to a diverse range of dashboards that give you detailed insights about the STIP. It leads you to an interactive platform, Airtable, which revolutionizes the way you access and view information. Offering a dynamic and innovative approach to data presentation, Airtable provides you with a novel way to interact with data. The only prerequisite to embark on this informative journey is to create a free account with Airtable. Post that, you can dive into the realm of intuitive data exploration. Though printed tables with all the essential information will be prepared, the interactive version on Airtable offers a unique edge. It is not merely about viewing information but exploring it, allowing you to delve deeper into areas of your interest. This approach to information ensures that you're not just a passive receiver but an active participant in the transportation planning process.

Alaska DOT&PF Introduces Interactive Digital STIP

The Alaska DOT&PF has launched its new and modern STIP, featuring an interactive map and database that allows users to explore and analyze projects within the STIP. With enhanced functionality and user-friendly features, the digital STIP provides a convenient and efficient way to access information about transportation projects.
 
The interactive map is equipped with various tools to help users customize their project viewing experience. Users can utilize filters, search capabilities, and dashboards to narrow down projects and programs based on specific criteria. Common filters include funding programs, location, region, construction year(s), and corridor names. By selecting the desired filters, users can generate a tailored list of STIP projects that meet their specific requirements.
 
Furthermore, the digital STIP offers options for sorting and provides flexibility in generating dashboards. Users can choose their preferred sorting order and select whether they want the report in Excel or HTML format. These features enable users to extract and organize project data according to their needs and preferences.
 
With the introduction of the interactive digital STIP, Alaska DOT&PF aims to enhance transparency, accessibility, and user experience in accessing information about transportation projects. The new platform empowers stakeholders, professionals, and the public to explore and analyze the STIP with ease, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged transportation planning process.


Plan Alignment and Implementation

The projects included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) are in alignment with and implement the policies set forth in the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Serving as a strategic alignment and investment tool, the STIP ensures consistency with the Family of Plans and the LRTP. The LRTP establishes investment areas for the State, encompassing: 

1. Safety
2. State of Good Repair
3. Economic Vitality
4. Resiliency
5. Sustainable Transportation

Numerous projects in the STIP fulfill the requirements outlined in the Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and address the specific needs of freight transportation. Furthermore, they meet key requirements stipulated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The STIP plays a crucial role in implementing the TAMP by planning funding for projects that support federal asset management requirements and meet investment targets necessary for extending the useful life of transportation facilities.

The STIP maintains consistency with various planning efforts, including the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities' Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), approved regional transportation plans (components of the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan), Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) prepared by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in Anchorage and Fairbanks, municipal comprehensive plans, and tribal transportation plans. Additionally, the STIP reflects the goals of the state administration, aiming to support economic development and identify opportunities to connect resource-rich areas to the state's highway, port, and rail systems.

###

It is the policy of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no one shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Persons with a hearing impairment can contact the department by dialing Alaska Relay at 711 and asking the communication assistant to call the telephone number listed. We are also able to offer, upon request, reasonable accommodations for the special needs related to disabilities. 

Public Comment is now closed. Please stay tuned - Responses are coming.