Akutan harbor access road [CTP award 2023]

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $600,000 in formula grant funding to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities on July 18, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205). The award funds the construction of a new 1.5-mile gravel road connecting the Native Village of Akutan to the community's boat harbor and seafood processing facility located at the head of Akutan Harbor. This infrastructure project enhances multimodal transportation connectivity and economic access for a remote Alaska coastal community by establishing essential transportation linkage to critical maritime and commercial operations.

The Highway Planning and Construction program provides federal financial assistance to states and eligible applicants for highway construction, preservation, and improvement of transportation infrastructure authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Awards under this program support diverse infrastructure activities including highway construction and reconstruction, bridge improvements, safety enhancements, and multimodal connectivity projects. State departments of transportation typically select projects through established planning processes in coordination with local authorities, with FHWA division offices approving project agreements prior to commencement of work.

Project description

Construct a new 1.5-mile gravel road to connect the native village of akutan to the community's boat harbor and seafood processing facility which is sited at the head of akutan harbor.