DOT&PF anticipates banner construction year.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Inside Alaska Business - Alaska. Department Of Transportation and Public Facilities

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) expects to bid out more than $800 million for more than 100 projects this year; a 33 percent increase from 2009.

"From Kodiak to Kotzebue, Anchorage to Allakaket and communities in between, Alaskans will be working on transportation projects this year," said Leo yon Scheben, commissioner, DOT&PF.

Last year, DOT&PF awarded almost $600 million worth of projects, a significant increase above the 2008 total of approximately $400 million.

"State DOT&PF employees and consultants worked extremely hard to increase the number of projects going to bid in 2010," emphasized yon Scheben. "Each project has many phases to complete before going to bid including design, right-of-way, environmental reviews and permitting. I am very proud of how our state employees stepped up under pressure and deadlines and produced for Alaska."

Commissioner yon Scheben noted that the downturn in the economy increased the importance of these projects hitting the streets quickly and thus creating jobs.

"However these projects aren't just about jobs," von Scheben continued, "these projects mean Alaska families are driving on safer roads, riding on safer ferries, or landing on better runways."

Fund sources for these projects include...