U.S. General Services Administration
New Alaska Border Station to be Built Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Signed by President Biden
TACOMA, Wash. — The Biden Administration and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced today that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden will invest more than $187 million in the design and construction of a new ALCAN Border Station in Tok, Alaska - strengthening supply chains, creating jobs, and enhancing security and trade.
“America’s land ports are vital to our economy and our security, with billions of dollars in goods and services crossing our borders each and every day,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “These bipartisan investments are a historic opportunity to modernize our land ports in ways that will create good-paying jobs and strengthen supply chains, while enhancing safety and security.”
The $3.4 billion in direct spending by GSA under the law is estimated to support, on average, nearly 6,000 annual jobs over the next 8 years; add $3.23 billion in total labor income across the United States; contribute an additional $4.5 billion to the National Gross Domestic Product; and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for state, local, and federal governments.
“Our underfunded and outdated infrastructure has real costs to families, our economy, and our global competitiveness,” said Senior Advisor & White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. “President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing in strengthening our supply chains, including our land ports which are vital for moving goods across our borders.”
The Alcan Land Port of Entry (ALCAN) is a full-service continuously operating land port of entry processing inbound and outbound privately owned vehicles (POV), buses, pedestrians, and commercial truck traffic. Constructed in 1971, it is the most isolated LPOE between the United States and Canada. This location experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions in the world.
“Our nation’s land ports are essential to our economy and way of life,” said Rep. Don Young. “This is especially true as we work to strengthen our supply chains and recover from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska’s climate and terrain are unlike any other. For this reason, the ALCAN land port has been a critical piece of infrastructure, withstanding some of the world’s harshest weather conditions as trade is facilitated through Canada. After more than 50 years, it is time to bring this port into the 21st Century. I am very grateful to the GSA for recognizing the great need for investments in the ALCAN port. This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will go a long way toward maximizing efficiency, spurring economic growth, and bolstering our national security. Once completed, the new port will also aid us in our continued efforts to stop human trafficking and keep lethal drugs like fentanyl out of our communities. When Congress drafted the infrastructure bill, I worked hard to represent Alaska with a powerful voice. It was my honor to help whip the votes to get this bill across the finish line in the House. Seeing ongoing federal support arrive to our state on an almost weekly basis is proof of our Delegation’s continued commitment to securing strong, reliable Alaskan infrastructure for generations to come.”
The project will construct a new, modernized, and energy efficient port that will provide for modern operational facilities, housing, and community complexes that will provide a more comfortable working and living environment for CBP and GSA personnel and their families for decades to come.
The new ALCAN Land Port of Entry (LPOE) will enclose primary and secondary inspection areas into a single building, shielding CBP personnel from extreme weather conditions while they work. Co-locating port operations into one primary structure will improve processing efficiency and minimize the port’s physical footprint. Additional goals of this project include achieving a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by maximizing energy efficiency and effectively managing stormwater, and engaging the local Native Alaskan tribes through community outreach and meaningful employment opportunities.
“Land ports of entry in the Pacific Northwest provide secure, welcoming gateways to our country,” Acting Regional Administrator Lisa Pearson said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve so many facilities while providing an economic boost to the region.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $3.4 billion for GSA to construct and modernize 26 land ports of entry, making them more sustainable and secure. The average LPOE land port of entry is nearly 40 years old and long overdue for upgrades. Investment in port modernization will improve operational capabilities and facility infrastructure, spur economic growth, and bolster the country’s security.
Many of these modernization projects will allow CBP to more effectively deploy the latest technology to identify high-risk activity and shipments, combat drug trafficking, and increase operational security.
For more information on how GSA is modernizing land ports of entry, please go here.
*Note: Estimated project costs are planning estimates and subject to change due to time and market conditions.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet and overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts. GSA’s mission is to deliver value and savings in real estate, acquisition, technology, and other mission-support services across government, in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.