This award supports the acquisition of a temporary bridge inventory that is regionally dedicated and available

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R10-Alaska Region awarded the Alaska Department of Natural Resources $400,000 on August 19, 2026, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Temporary Bridge Program (CFDA 10.721) to acquire a temporary bridge inventory dedicated to and available for regional use across Alaska's state, private, and tribal lands.

The funding supports establishment of a rental program providing portable bridges, bridge mats, or other temporary water crossing structures that minimize stream bed disturbance during forest management operations. The acquired bridges will be repositioned across Alaska via terrestrial and maritime transportation routes, reducing lead times for acquisition and delivery compared to standard procurement methods. This agility addresses forest health issues and volatile forest industry markets by enabling rapid deployment of crossing infrastructure to areas of immediate need.

The award period extends through October 1, 2028, with place of performance in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Financial Support & Services Division serves as the administrative conduit through which the State of Alaska channels federal funding to its natural resource agencies and programs. Per program guidelines, the rental program may operate on a fee-rental, no-cost rental, or rent-to-own basis. Extension requests beyond the grant period must be submitted in writing with an updated SF-424 at least 60 days in advance.

This will provide needed agility and flexibility to address the challenging forest industry markets and forest health issues on alaska's state, private and tribal lands. Bridges available under this program will be moved to needed areas via alaska's terrestrial and maritime transportation routes, thereby eliminating the long lead times required for acquisition and transport to alaska.