Alaska DOT seeks public input on cutting regulations by 25%

The Alaska Department of Transportation held a public meeting May 6, 2026, to gather input on reducing regulations by 15% by the end of 2026 and a cumulative 25% by the end of 2026 under Governor Mike Dunleavy's Administrative Order 360.

Governor Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, signed Administrative Order 360 in August 2025. The order directs all state agencies to review regulations and identify outdated, redundant, or unclear provisions. It sets reduction targets of 15% by December 2026 and an additional 10% to reach a cumulative 25% by the end of 2026.

Andy Mills, special assistant legislative liaison at DOT&PF, said the department is reversing the typical regulatory review process. Normally, agencies develop regulation packages internally and then seek public comment on proposed changes. Under Administrative Order 360, agencies are gathering public input on existing regulations first, then incorporating that feedback into proposed reforms, followed by another round of public engagement on the changes.

"We're going to start with some public input, take that into changes and reforms, and then do another round of engagement on the changes that are made," Mills said.

The May 6 online meeting focused on regulations governing measurement standards and commercial vehicle compliance, including 17 AAC 25 and 17 AAC 90. Members of the public participated via Zoom or telephone. Oral commenters were subject to a two-minute time limit to accommodate all participants.

DOT&PF is not yet proposing any specific regulation changes and has no draft regulations prepared. The department is gathering input before drafting changes under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Curtis Spencer with STR raised concerns about axle weight regulations north of Fairbanks and the condition of aging bridges. Spencer said the industry would prefer axle weight limits instead of bridge formulas for loads traveling north of Fairbanks. He also requested more public information from DOT&PF on plans for bridge updates.

"As we continue with our degradation of the 40-year bridge conditions that just continue to go downhill when we move big loads, some more info from everybody at DOT in regards to improving or coordinating and bringing out information to the public, right? We do see some, but we need to see more," Spencer said.

Spencer praised the department's current oversized and overweight permitting system, which launched in September 2024. The new web-based system, called SWOOP, replaced an older system and processes roughly 13,000 permits annually.

"We're super excited to see it working as well as it is compared to what's been in the past," Spencer said. "I think that is a credit to your team."