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Southwest Alaska
Transportation Plan Update



 

 


What is the Southwest Alaska Transportation Plan?

Click to view largerThe Southwest Alaska Transportation Plan (SWATP) is a 20-year regional transportation plan used to guide future public investments in transportation infrastructure. The state regularly reevaluates regional transportation needs and possible projects that serve the economy and population of the area. The study area consists of the Lake and Peninsula Borough, Kodiak Island Borough, Aleutians East Borough (AEB), Aleutians West Borough and some areas outside the organized boroughs (the communities of the Aleutian chain, Dillingham Census Area, Adak, and the Pribilof Islands). As a regional area plan, the focus of the SWATP will be on regional transportation needs, such as movements between communities and in and out of the region.

 

Phase 1 Report Now Available for Public Review


In Phase 1 stakeholders identified transportation issues and concerns. We need your comments on the regional issues to be explored further in Phase 2 of the planning process.

Remember:

  • This study is focusing on regional needs, such as connections between communities. You will not see local infrastructure referred to unless it connects to regional infrastructure.

  • This study is focusing on infrastructure that is the responsibility of the State of Alaska.

  • We do not plan to revisit issues that have been studied elsewhere. For instance, the Kodiak Island Borough did a study of island ferry service. We will consider and may reference the existing study, but will not re-study it.

Comments will be accepted until June 24, 2013.

 

Transportation Issues and Concerns Identified in Phase 1


For a description of how we came up with these topics, you can read the Executive Summary. You can also read the entire Draft Phase 1 Report.


  • Aviation

  • Marine

  • Land

  • Runway Length
    • Examine runway length needs in the region based on recent and potential changes to the aircraft fleet. Examine the need for runway extensions to support economical fuel/cargo access for communities without barge service.
  • Precision Approaches
    • Identify a priority ranking of improved approaches in the region based on work completed under the Alaska Aviation System Plan.
  • Potential for Expanded Ferry Service
    • Evaluate potential for non-Alaska Marine Highway System services to supplement Alaska Marine Highway System.
  • Future M/V Tustemena Replacement
    • Evaluate options for ongoing ferry service to Kodiak and the Aleutians.
  • Aleutian Island Emergency Response Capabilities
    • Update information on emergency response capabilities within the Aleutian Islands.
  • Cost of Living Reductions Through Specific Marine Improvements
    • Examine the potential of port and harbor improvements at selected regional and sub-regional hubs to reduce regional costs of living (e.g., improving roads to ports, improving barge delivery facilities).
  • Funding for Harbor Improvements
    • Determine possible sources of funding support to improve locally-owned ports and harbors.
  • Industrial Road Standards at International Ports
    • Evaluate the potential for establishing industrial road standards that would allow fully-loaded containers to be moved to and from international ports.
    Updated: May 9, 2013 12:17 PM