When Alaska meets the federal match, we get access to more than half a billion dollars in infrastructure funding — and we build more than roads. We build opportunity, jobs, and stronger communities for our state. It’s a small investment that provides a huge return.
What Does ‘Meet the Match’ Mean?
Every day, Alaskans travel on roads and infrastructure that connect us to work, family and the places that make our state home. But building and maintaining those roads relies on a state and federal partnership.
As a result of last year’s budget process, Alaska is at a crossroads. Acting now to match federal funds is critical. Similar to years past, our small investment will unlock hundreds of millions in federal dollars to make highways safer, repair bridges, and upgrade airports statewide. Add it all up and it means more than half a billion dollars moving through our economy.
Think of it this way:
Imagine your employer offered you $9,000 for every $1,000 you contributed to your retirement account. You’d jump at that deal, right? No one would miss out on that kind of return.
That’s essentially how the 9:1 federal highway funding match works for Alaska. If we don’t make that small investment, we lose out on the much larger federal share, and that money goes to other states instead.
Meeting the match continues to be one of the smartest financial decisions we can make. It keeps critical transportation projects moving forward in every region of the state.
Where Things Stand Now
As we reach the midpoint of the fiscal year (December 2025), the match is not yet met. But, Alaska can take a key step together: meet the federal match in time to keep this summer’s transportation projects on schedule for bidding and construction.
Governor Dunleavy’s FY 2027 budget includes the $70M supplemental for FY 2026 to restore federal match funding vetoed in 2025.
Since the match was not secured during the typical spring budget process, Alaska now faces an atypical and time-sensitive decision to unlock more than half-a-billion dollars for statewide transportation and infrastructure projects.
Why It Matters
If the match isn’t met, key projects will be delayed. The upcoming summer construction season would be in jeopardy because the state FY26 ends on June 30, 2026, meaning the funds earmarked for all transportation and infrastructure projects would no longer be available.
This affects more than roads and bridges. It impacts:
- Seasonal construction jobs.
- Local businesses that support workers, from coffee shops to equipment suppliers.
- Community projects that improve safety and keep Alaskans connected.
- Alaska’s skilled workforce. When major projects are lost or delayed, experienced workers are forced to leave the state or the industry. And once they do, they rarely return, shrinking Alaska’s long-term construction capacity.
Together, We Can Keep Projects on Track
The good news: Alaska still has time to secure these funds, but things need to happen fast. The Alaska State Legislature must vote to approve the match quickly once they convene in January to ensure the summer construction season is on schedule.
Working together, we can strengthen Alaska’s transportation system and support the communities that depend on it.
10% from Alaska → 90% from D.C. = 100% total for roads, bridges, jobs
Failure to meet federal match dollar requirements translates to an estimated loss of more than half-a-billion dollars that could be used to build our state. We cannot afford to miss out on these federal funds.
Why Meeting the Match Moves Us All Forward
41,000+ jobs supported
$3.6B in labor income
Safer road conditions
Funds stay in Alaska — not sent to other states
How You Can Help:
Add Your Voice. Help Move Alaska Forward.
- Share this campaign with your employees and networks. The clock is ticking, so do it before January 20, 2026!
- Talk to your state lawmakers about why the 10% state match matters. If you’re not sure who your local representatives are, find out here.
- Show up for public comment when the legislature takes public testimony.