While the state has seen a longer than normal legislative session, the State Matching Funds that the AMC fought long and hard to establish and maintain was cut by 25% resulting in the funds being reduced from the previous year's $1,000,000 to $750,000. While this is a very significant cut, considering the atmosphere in the legislature, and the deep cuts received by other programs, we consider ourselves fortunate to receive as much as we did.  Now that we have secured that funding, we need to be looking at the Federal Surface Reauthorization process.

 

   Congress has seen several proposals for long term bills with the most promising proposal being a bill for a six year authorization.  The drawback to that bill was the funding.  There was only guaranteed funding through the first three years.  There have also been proposed changes to the various funding formulas and grant programs available. 

 

   While the AMC does not have a formal position on the reauthorization bills that are currently being proposed, we are monitoring the situation and will do our best to keep all of our members informed as new changes come about.  If anyone would like to contact the Congressional delegation, here is an article from the  American Public Transportation Association (APTA) with some suggested strategies and areas of concern.  Please keep in mind the suggestions from APTA are not the views or opinion of the AMC or its Board of Directors.

 

   Borough citizens and visitors are encouraged to attend one of the three meetings to provide input on the unmet transportation needs and transportation gaps in the community. Additionally, human service, government, or non-profit organizations planning to apply for MAP21 funding under any Federal Transit Administration programs are encouraged to participate in this coordination activity or by contacting the FTPP to complete a survey on the transportation service needs and gaps. 

   If you are unable to attend any of the meetings, you may provide written comments to Chanelle Whitehurst.  A formal presentation will be given 15 minutes after the start of each meeting.

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 Noel Wein Library

1215 Cowles Street 

Fairbanks, AK 99701

 

 

 

   Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Chanelle Whitehurst at cwhitehurst@accessalaska.com or 907-328-4124 no later than Friday, August 21st at 5PM.

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   Additionally, the project continues to move forward as the coordinated plan update is taking shape.  Each of the required sections has been assigned a lead and everyone is making great progress on their section.  A draft plan should be completed during the first week of September.  Once the draft plan is completed, it goes to DOT for review to make sure all the required elements are in place and the appropriate steps have been followed.  After a successful review by DOT staff, the plan will be presented to the FNSB Assembly for their approval and certification.  Once the plan has been approved by the Assembly, the organizations who have participated in the plan will be able to seek funding to help improve the transportation services and opportunities for the citizens and visitors in Fairbanks and the surrounding areas.