Kodiak's proposed path to Bells Flats makes the state's draft plan, with design money only

The state has put a proposed walking and biking path between Kodiak and Bells Flats in its draft transportation plan. The plan has money to design it, but not to build it.

Kodiak City Council member Sandra West called it good news when she told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly on Oct. 1. Alaska's congressional delegation had kept asking one question, she said: "Are you on the STIP?"

The STIP, short for Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, is the plan the state needs to use federal transportation money.

"We are on the STIP in the draft form," West said, according to a meeting transcript.

West, who has spoken for the trail on behalf of Island Trails Network, said safety is its No. 1 benefit. The road's shoulder is narrow, with gravel and sticks in it, she said, so she often rides her bike on the white fog line. That makes it uncomfortable for big cars and trucks.

The Kodiak Short Trail would be a paved path about 10 miles long and 8 feet wide, separated from Rezanof Drive. Along the way, the shoulders on the Sargent Creek and Russian River bridges would be widened for people on foot, according to the project page.

The draft plan lists about $2.6 million for it through 2030, mostly for design. The state forecasts the whole project at about $28 million, with about $25.4 million of that after 2030. The early money does "not establish a construction commitment," the plan says.

In May 2025, West told the Assembly the trail group had received "some money" from the Denali Commission and was looking for design and engineering work.

In late September, borough and city officials brought up the trail on a joint lobbying trip to Washington. Borough Mayor Jared Griffin said there was "a lot of interest about the trail" in the offices they visited.

The borough's Parks and Recreation Committee is scheduled to discuss the listing Tuesday. Comment on the draft plan closes Oct. 29.