Alaska DOT&PF Awards $2.2M to 15 Trail Projects Under New ATLAS Initiative

Alaska's Department of Transportation and Public Facilities awarded more than $2.2 million in federal trail funding to 15 projects statewide, marking the first competitive grant cycle under the department's new Alaska Trails and Local Access System, known as ATLAS. All award recipients must provide a minimum 10 percent non-federal match, adding local investment to the federal dollars.

The awards follow Administrative Order 361, which transferred the federal Recreational Trails Program from the Department of Natural Resources to DOT&PF effective Oct. 1, 2025. The program now operates under the name Multi-Use Trails Program within the ATLAS framework. DOT&PF continued the open application cycle already underway after the transition.

"ATLAS represents a new chapter in how Alaska supports trails, outdoor recreation, and community connectivity," Commissioner Ryan Anderson said. "These investments will help improve and maintain trail systems across the state while creating opportunities for Alaskans and visitors to safely access and enjoy Alaska's outdoors."

Fourteen projects will receive full funding. One project, the Petersville Trails and Rescue Center Phase III, will receive only partial funding. The awards support communities throughout Alaska, including Southeast Alaska, Southcentral Alaska, Southwest Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula, Interior Alaska, and the Valdez-Cordova region. Selected projects span motorized, non-motorized, diversified, and safety and education categories.

How Awards Were Selected

The newly formed Alaska Recreational Trails Advisory Committee reviewed and scored applications using established program criteria before DOT&PF made final award decisions. All 15 recipients must provide a minimum 10 percent non-federal match to unlock the federal share.

The Multi-Use Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by DOT&PF through the ATLAS initiative.

FY2026 Award Recipients

The FY2026 awards include the following projects:

Safety and Education Projects

• Buskin River Safety and Education Project

• Silver King State Recreation Area Groundwater Education Project

Motorized Projects

• 35 Mile ORV Riding Park (Phase III)