2026 Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program

The Harbor Facility Grant Program, administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, offers 50/50 matching financial assistance to municipally or regional housing authority owned small boat harbor facilities in Alaska. This program, funded annually by the Alaska Legislature, aims to support critical infrastructure within the state. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not detailed, the program's alignment with state-level infrastructure development and maintenance is clear. Port or barge facilities are explicitly ineligible, focusing the program on small boat harbor needs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipal and regional housing authorities that own small boat harbor facilities. The impact goals include ensuring the continued functionality and improvement of these facilities, which are vital for local communities and maritime activities in Alaska. The program's structure, with its focus on "Major Maintenance and Repair," "New Construction," and "Expansion," suggests a commitment to both preserving existing infrastructure and fostering growth where needed. The program prioritizes projects through a two-tiered system. Tier I focuses on "Major Maintenance and Repair" of facilities previously owned by the state and now under municipal or regional housing authority ownership, with these projects receiving priority. A facility can only receive one Tier I grant, after which it becomes eligible for Tier II. Tier II encompasses all other eligible facilities, including new construction, expansion, or further major maintenance and repair, and facilities can receive multiple Tier II grants. This tiered approach indicates a strategic focus on addressing the most pressing maintenance needs first, then supporting broader development. Expected outcomes include improved safety, functionality, and longevity of small boat harbor facilities across Alaska. Measurable results could be tracked by the number of facilities repaired or constructed, the value of the grants awarded, and the types of improvements made (e.g., new pilings, upgraded utility systems). The grant duration is 2 years, with a grant period of 18 months for projects, allowing for substantial work to be completed. Award amounts range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000, ensuring significant financial support for eligible projects. The focus on essential items like approach structures, float systems, and utility systems further reinforces the program's goal of ensuring robust and operational harbor facilities.