Build a Natural Gas Pipeline

The Alaska Trucking Association supports the development of a natural gas pipeline to deliver Alaska’s gas to market.

Support Gas Line Infrastructure to ensure the ability to transport the loads

·         Straighten and widen areas on the Dalton and Richardson Highways

·         Assure bridges are approved to bear 100-ton payload and have a 17’9” clearance

·         Ensure port upgrades at Seward, Valdez, Skagway and Haines to ensure truck access

·         Ensure National Highway System connectors are designed to accommodate 120 ft LCV’s and 53’ trailers

Improve Transportation Infrastructure

Alaska’s transportation system is the economic backbone of our state.  Trucks rely on the road system to deliver the goods to support all forms of our daily activities.  To ensure a safe and productive transportation system, we must continue to fund improvements.

Specifically:

• Fund Parks Highway Freight Corridor upgrade projects to eliminate the seasonal weight restrictions.  Seasonal weight restrictions place an undue economic burden on Alaska’s economy for a 4-6 week period of time each spring.  Consumers pay as a result of the reduced payload during that time.  Sound, all weather construction of highways on freight corridors will benefit the citizens of Alaska.  Examples of projects are the Willow-Kashwitna segment and the Healy 241-251 segment. 

Increase DOT&PF Maintenance and Operations Budget

The M&O budget cannot remain status quo.  Lane miles as well as operating costs have increased dramatically.  Maintenance service delivery is key to safe and productive highways.  In the winter months, service delivery means the difference between life and death for all motorists.  Increased maintenance on our system will extend its service life and ensure a safe work environment for our drivers.

Specifically:

• Improve maintenance of current highway and bridge facilities with increased staffing and equipment.

Expand the DOT&PF State General Fund Capital Projects Program

It is clear that federal funding will not meet the growing need for transportation infrastructure improvement.

Such essential projects include:

• Dalton Highway resurface
• Palmer Wasilla Highway improvement
• “Connect Anchorage”

Fund Vocational Education

Given current and future anticipated driver shortages, ATA encourages upfront funding for vocational training for students and former military personnel to pursue career opportunities for them as both union and non-union truck drivers, transportation and warehouse workers, construction trade workers and other positions in good paying vocations.

Incentivize clean air and fuel conservation efforts through the use of “Idle Reduction Technologies”. 

Clean air and fuel conservation are important objectives for Alaska.  ULS diesel has made a clean air contribution and the use of idle reduction technology (APU) will result in cleaner air and increased fuel conservation.

Mandatory Drug/Alcohol Test Reporting

Reporting of “positive” or failed drug or alcohol tests is essential to further promote a drug/alcohol free workplace.  Legislation to require test administrators (Medical Review Officers) to report test failures to the licensing agency (DMV) for their action will be a further step to remove drug or alcohol abusers from our highways.