Planning for the Future of Transportation in Anchorage
Public comments for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) are due by September 3. Plus, Mayor Pete visits Fairview and I visit Indianapolis.
Earlier this month, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spent three days traveling around Alaska to learn about our state’s unique transportation system. I was so pleased that Mayor Pete stopped in Fairview to talk about safe and accessible multimodal transportation systems and the $537,660 Reconnecting Communities grant that the community recently received.
Transportation and community advocates met with Mayor Pete and shared why Fairness for Fairview means more than reimagining a more pedestrian and non-motorized user-friendly transportation network. It means elevating the issues of economic and environmental justice that have impacted community growth and health for decades along the Ingra/Gambell corridor. It means addressing the long-ignored issue of concentrating unserved houseless folks along busy roadways. It also means real investment in community spaces that foster a sense of pride and belonging.
I’m proud to be part of Fairness for Fairview and I’m beyond excited for this next chapter in our neighborhood’s trajectory. Thanks to all the community leaders and advocates who have long dogged this issue. It’s because of you and your work Fairview is a great place to live, work, and play.
Planning for an inclusive and accessible downtown
I recently traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana as part of the National Conference of State Legislature’s Annual Summit and let me tell you, I was blown away by their downtown.
Back when he was Mayor of Indianapolis, the late Indiana Senator Richard Lugar (R) planned big. He wanted a downtown that was safe and accessible for all. It took years of careful investments and strategic planning, but this past week as I scootered around downtown Indianapolis, I could not help but be impressed.
There are many groups invested in creating a safe and accessible downtown Anchorage and I encourage you to learn more and get involved. Community planning is only as good as the community that participates. Remember, your voice matters. In less than a week, the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) will host several open houses for you to learn more. Now is the time for you to share your thoughts about what future transportation system you want to see in Anchorage.
Review the MTP and make your public comments today!
Get more information at the virtual open house on the MTP on Wednesday, August 30, starting at 1:00 p.m.
Attend the Anchorage open house on the MTP on Wednesday, August 30, starting at 5:00 p.m.
What is the STIP and why does it matter?
The Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) is a crucial planning tool for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The STIP is an important document that guides efforts to maintain, enhance, and expand Alaska's transportation system. It is a comprehensive document that outlines transportation programs and projects scheduled for implementation over a four-year period.
On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee joined the House Transportation Committee for a comprehensive overview of the current STIP. The meeting was needed because of the widespread public concern that DOT&PF didn’t develop the STIP in coordination with tribal partners and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Several important issues were addressed during the meeting. I brought up the need for a public scoring and selection process and Representative Mina highlighted the lack of non-motorized projects in the proposed STIP. Afterward the meeting, I spoke to the DOT&PF representatives and raised my concern that the Alaska Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan was not included or considered in the draft 2024-2027 STIP. Since Tuesday’s meeting, I have been working with Representative Mina, DOT&PF, and AMATS stakeholders to request a project extension. I think an extension is needed to get additional community feedback.
The deadline to submit public comments on the draft STIP is Sunday, September 3. Please review the STIP and get your comments in, if you can. I am working hard to get the public comment period extended, but I cannot guarantee it will happen. If you need help making your comments or breaking down the STIP, please do not hesitate to contact me at (907) 465-3704 or via email at sen.loki.tobin@akleg.gov.
