Alaska/Yukon sign highway maintenance agreement

The governments of Alaska and Yukon have come to an agreement on highway maintenance. During Alaskan Governor Mike Dunleavy’s February visit to Yukon – his first official visit since becoming governor five years ago – a memorandum of understanding was signed between Dunleavy and Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai.

“By working cooperatively with our neighbors in the Yukon, we can help ensure that people traveling to or from Alaska on the road are able to do more safely with fewer road hazards,” Governor Dunleavy stated to media during the visit.

The result is the Alaska Highway Yukon Territory Permafrost Repairs Project (wisely referred to simply as ‘the Project’ in the MOU, side-stepping the unwieldy AHYTPRP acronym), which will see Alaska provide the funding for road repairs that will be carried out by Yukon on the stretch of highway on the Canadian side leading to the Alaskan border. The vast majority of cars that use that highway are Americans driving to and from Alaska.

Since 1977, repairs and maintenance of the Alcan (Alaska-Canadian) Highway have been funded through a US-Canadian highway construction funding accord called the Shakwak Agreement. However, with road conditions on the highway deteriorating due to thawing permafrost and other impacts, a new agreement was required.

‘The Project’ will be included in Alaska’s 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, supported by Alaska’s apportionment funding. The funding will be made available on a reimbursement basis.

“By working together and pursuing common goals, we aim to shape a future of shared opportunities for our region,” said Premier Pillai. “This visit signifies a key milestone in strengthening our relationship, fostering a collaborative path towards a more interconnected future for both Alaskans and Yukoners.”

An Intergovernmental Relations Accord, aimed at information sharing and fostering further cooperation, was also signed.