Alaska legislators announce supply chain, border security funding

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-AK) are touting a $187 million funding allotment that would bolster the supply chain and border security.

The legislators lauded the funds garnered from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It would benefit Tok, Alaska, to design and construct a new Alcan Land Port of Entry (ALCAN) Border Station.

ALCAN serves as the most isolated land port of entry between America and Canada, processing commercial truck traffic, buses, and privately-owned vehicles. The new port would aid processing efficiency and boost supply chains, creating jobs and strengthening border security.

“The bipartisan infrastructure law is bringing real results to Alaskans, benefitting our entire state,” Murkowski said. “As Alaskans face the rising costs of daily life, this new border station will make our state safer and healthier, not only by bolstering our border security but by boosting our economy with good-paying jobs and work opportunities. Our 1,538-mile border with Canada only has five land ports of entry—making this project even more important.”

Murkowski said the infrastructure measure delivers tangible results to the state ranging from investing in port and airport infrastructure, enhancing climate efforts, to strengthening border security.

“The ALCAN is a vital transportation artery for Alaska, carrying tens of millions of dollars’ worth of commerce and essential goods for Alaskans,” Sullivan said. “This is our state’s major land link to the rest of the continent. I’m glad to see this important piece of infrastructure getting a much-needed upgrade, thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill. With these investments, Alaska’s Tok facility will be able to operate in a more efficient manner, with fewer weather-related interruptions.”