Amhs system wide mooring structure improvements

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $300,000 to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities on August 11, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) to conduct preconstruction work for system-wide improvements to Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry mooring structures across the state. The project scope encompasses engineering, planning, and design activities to extend the service life and maintain functionality of mooring infrastructure at AMHS's 45 ferry terminals. Eligible improvement activities include dolphin repairs, fendering system enhancements, corrosion protection measures, gangway upgrades, and electrical and lighting improvements at marine terminals. Current priorities under this program include damaged pile removal at Cordova Ferry Terminal, corroded pile repairs at Cold Bay Ferry Terminal, and fender panel repairs at Ketchikan Berth I.

The funding supports the preliminary planning, specifications, and engineering (PS&E) phase only, with construction implementation to be established through separate project awards following completion of this preconstruction work. All AMHS ferry terminal work will be conducted on National Highway System (NHS) routes, with exact project locations and scope to be finalized during the design phase. This award reflects FHWA's support for Alaska's multimodal transportation infrastructure resilience and the state's critical ferry connectivity services connecting remote coastal communities.

Project description

Make improvements to amhs ferry mooring structures to extend their service life and maintain functionality at various locations statewide. Amhs relies on 45 separate ferry terminals for its operations. Mooring structure improvements may include the following items: dolphin improvements, fendering improvements, corrosion protection improvements, gangway improvements, marine terminal electrical and lighting improvements. Preconstruction work anticipated to be accomplished under this program. Separate projects will be established for the construction phase. Amhs ferry terminals system wide work will be done on NHS routes. Exact termini/locations and length will be determined through PS & E.current projects under this program include:cordova ferry terminal - damaged pile removalcold BAY ferry terminal - corroded pile repairsketchikan berth I - fender panel repairs