Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) has announced the successful passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 in the Senate. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Sullivan emphasized that this legislation includes significant benefits for Alaska.

The bill reauthorizes and funds the Denali Commission through 2029, introduces a Denali Commission Housing Fund, and establishes a river-erosion program to address storm and flood damage across Alaska. Additionally, it incorporates measures to streamline processes and cut costs for the Barrow Seawall project.

Senator Sullivan stated, "My team and I worked hard over these past few months to craft provisions in this year’s WRDA reauthorization that maintain progress on major transportation projects throughout our great state, remove red tape and regulatory hurdles, improve safety and access for Alaskans, and close Alaska’s historic infrastructure gap as a young state." He further highlighted Alaska's resource richness but infrastructure challenges: "This important legislation supports the vital work the Army Corps of Engineers is doing in so many of our communities—from Barrow to Seward—and improves the Corps’ ability to work cooperatively with Alaska Native tribal entities for the benefit of Alaskans."

The legislation mandates that the Army Corps of Engineers remain attentive to local water resources needs without imposing uniform requirements. It extends programs enabling feasibility studies and water development projects in economically disadvantaged areas.

The Economic Development Reauthorization Act modernizes federal cost-share requirements for Economic Development Administration (EDA) programs, facilitating better access for distressed communities. It also addresses obstacles faced by broadband projects seeking EDA funding.

Additionally, unspent funds from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) will be made available to states through a formula under the Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act. This will allow states to prioritize high-priority transportation infrastructure projects.

Sullivan expressed gratitude towards his committee colleagues: "Lastly, I want to thank my fellow committee members for their continued recognition of the important role the Denali Commission plays in our state—providing funding for vital infrastructure in our rural communities. I’m particularly excited about the new opportunity the Denali Commission will have to address the shortage of affordable housing in rural Alaska."