U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater Announces $19.3 Million for Alaska in Highway Discretionary Funds

U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater Announces $19.3 Million for Alaska in Highway Discretionary Funds

Topics: Rodney E. Slater

U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater Announces $19.3 Million for Alaska in Highway Discretionary Funds

Federal Highway Administration
November 3, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 3, 2000
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Tel.: 202-366-0660
FHWA 102-00

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today said that Alaska will receive $19.3 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) discretionary funds.

"President Clinton and Vice President Gore recognize the need for continued strategic investment that will improve America’s transportation system," Secretary Slater said. "This funding will strengthen our transportation system, create jobs in Alaska, and yield significant dividends in terms of safety, mobility, environmental protection and economic growth."

Grants were provided to Alaska in four categories. The categories, number of grants and the totals provided, are:

Public Lands Highways, six grants for $7.04 million;

The Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program (TCSP), five grants for a total of $1.9 million;

Ferry Boats and Terminals, one grant for $10 million;

Scenic Byways, six grants for a total of $356,208.

Public Lands Highways grants provide funds for the construction of highways on public lands such as national parks.

TCSP, a key component of the Clinton-Gore administration’s livability agenda, is an initiative that assists communities as they work to solve interrelated problems involving transportation, land development, environmental protection, public safety and economic development.

Ferry Boat grants provide funds to facilitate movement of people and goods across inland and coastal waterways.

Scenic Byways are outstanding roads through areas recognized for their special historic, cultural, natural, or other qualities. Under the National Scenic Byways Program, the states and byways use the funds to develop and implement corridor management plans, construct scenic byway facilities (such as overlooks, interpretative centers, signs and exhibits), develop interpretative brochures, maps and information, and promote Scenic Byways.

FHWA discretionary funds are made available upon selection by the Secretary of Transportation after requests from states for funds for projects that meet criteria established by federal law and U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and procedures. Congress also makes decisions on some grants.

Further information about the projects is on the Internet at www.fhwa.dot.gov.

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