Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, alongside Congressman Nick Begich, have expressed approval of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) decision to allocate $25 million towards enhancing aviation safety in Alaska. This funding comes under the FAA’s Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (DYAASI), a program stemming from a Sullivan-led provision in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The provision authorizes $25 million annually for this initiative from fiscal year 2025 through to 2028. It was developed by the FAA as a response to a 2020 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on Alaska's high rate of aviation accidents and fatalities.

As part of the investment, the FAA plans to increase the use of satellites in Alaska, expanding from four to 16 testing sites to improve connectivity at weather monitoring locations, especially in remote regions of the state.

Senator Dan Sullivan emphasized the critical nature of aviation in Alaska, stating, "In Alaska, aviation is absolutely essential. Yet many of our rural communities either have poorly maintained safety and telecommunications infrastructure, or lack it altogether, leaving them without vital weather data.” He highlighted the importance of the FAA's commitment to aviation safety in Alaska for reducing high rates of aviation accidents and fatalities. Sullivan also expressed gratitude to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau for acknowledging the unique challenges faced by Alaska and their dedication to the state.

Senator Lisa Murkowski echoed the importance of continuing the legacy of Don Young, saying, “Don Young spent his 49-year career fighting to make aviation safer for Alaskans – and we continue to build on that legacy." Murkowski also acknowledged the FAA's efforts and the necessity of critical upgrades to the state's aviation weather reporting systems. "Our state has an all-too tragic history of fatal air crashes, and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that we are able to confidently, and safely, take off and land at any airport in Alaska,” she added.

Congressman Nick Begich stressed the need for improved aviation safety standards, asserting, “Alaska must be the gold standard in aviation safety. It is critically important to ensure that every flight is backed by the technology, data, and the resources needed to make aviation safer in Alaska and throughout our nation.” Begich praised the FAA for focusing on the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to work with the administration to enhance the national airspace system.

A 2020 report by the NTSB revealed that Alaska's rate of aviation accidents and fatalities significantly exceeded the national average. The DYAASI aims to address these concerns by implementing safety improvements and investments in the state’s aviation infrastructure, as strengthened by the 2024 FAA Reauthorization.