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Funding for the Alaska Long Trail

In February 2021, Governor Dunleavy submitted a proposal for $13.2M in trail projects for the Alaska Long Trail. 

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Long Trail projects were identified by a coalition of partners in each location along the length of the trail, as part of Alaska Trails’ statewide Trails Investment Strategy. Partners and parties consulted included: cities and boroughs; Alaska DNR (Divisions of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Forestry, Mining Land & Water); Alaska DOT; Alaska Department of Fish & Game; Chugach National Forest; Denali National Park; NPS Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program; Kenai Mountain - Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area, representatives of regional tourism marketing organizations and individual tourism businesses; non-profit regional trails organizations and individual trail users.

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G.O. Bond funding switch to capital budget

The Long Trail was included in the Governor’s proposed General Obligation bond, but the G.O. Bond did not pass the legislature, in part due to the influx of federal “American Rescue Plan” funds. Alaska Trails has worked with legislators on switching the projects to the Capital Budget, tapping into ARP dollars. Thanks to Senators Bill Wielechowki's and Bert Stedman's amendment, the Senate included a modified set of Long Trail projects to the capital budget in May, 2021. 

Current Status Summary​

  • The Legislature has included the Long Trail projects in the capital budget - June 2021

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  • Governor Dunleavy vetoed the Long Trail projects in the capital budget, along with a number of other items, as a side effect of struggles over the PFD - July 2021​​

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  • Alaska Trails is continuing to work with the legislature to bring funding for the Long Trail projects

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What can you do?​

Write Thank You letters to Senators and Representatives! 

Thank them for passing the $13.2M Long Trail funding amendment to the capital budget.

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Helpful Resources

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Updated October 8, 2021

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