Fact Sheets on Highway Provisions

DENALI ACCESS SYSTEM PROGRAM

Program Purpose

The new Denali Access System Program will fund planning, design, engineering, and construction of road and other surface transportation infrastructure identified for the Denali access system.

Statutory References

SAFETEA-LU Section(s): 1960

Other: Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 USC 3121 note)

Funding/Formula

Funded by contract authority, to remain available until expended. Contract authority is not subject for transfer and is subject to the overall Federal-aid obligation limitation. [1960]

The Secretary is to provide the funds directly to the Denali Commission to carry out the program in consultation with the Denali Access System Program Advisory Committee. In distributing funds for projects, the Commission is to consult the list of transportation priorities developed by the Advisory Committee.

In addition to the funds authorized for the Denali Access System, the State of Alaska may transfer up to 15 percent of its Surface Transportation Program apportionment to the Denali Access System program.

Eligible Use of Funds

Eligible uses are planning, design, engineering, and construction of road and other surface transportation infrastructure identified for the Denali access system. Funding for a construction project under this program may include additional amount equal to not more than 10 percent of the total cost of construction to be retained for future maintenance of the project. Funds so retained may not be used for any other purpose.

Program Features

The Commission is the lead agency for purposes of accepting Federal funds and for purposes of carrying out the program.

The Denali Access Program Advisory Committee is established to consist of 9 members, including the chairman of the Denali Commission; four members representing existing regional native corporation, native nonprofit entities, or tribal governments, of which one of the four must be a civil engineer; and four members representing rural Alaska regions or villages, of which one of the four must be a civil engineer. The Advisory Committee's responsibilities are to:

• advise the Commission on surface transportation needs of Alaska Native villages and rural communities, including projects for the construction of essential access routes within remote Alaska Native villages and rural communities and for the construction of roads and facilities necessary to connect isolated rural communities to a road system
• advise the Commission on considerations for coordinating transportation planning among the Alaska Native villages, Alaska rural villages, the State, and other government entities
• establish an annual list of transportation project priorities and funding recommendations for Alaska Native villages and rural communities
• facilitate the Commission's work when a transportation project involves more than one region.

Construction of projects under this section shall, to the maximum extent practicable, encourage the use of employees and businesses that are residents of Alaska.

Technology and design standards for a Denali Access System project shall be determined by the Commission as appropriate given the location and the functionality of the project.

Federal Share

The Federal share is 80 percent, subject to the sliding scale adjustment. Denali funds may be used as the non-Federal share of the costs of projects funded under 23 USC.