JUNEAU — State highway officials are taking comments from the public as they plan for new transportation projects, but they warn there will be less money available to implement them.

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Declining federal spending on transportation could be particularly hard-felt in Alaska, the Juneau Empire reported.

“Alaska has been relying on federal aid to maintain its state highway system,” said Andy Hughes, Southeast transportation planner with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

The state is taking public comment on the new Statewide Transportation Plan through Sept. 18. The plan covers transportation projects for three years beginning in 2012.

Officials said the plan has Alaska Marine Highway System projects, including system-wide improvements and ferry terminal upgrades — or entirely new terminals — in Kodiak, Gustavus, Pelican and elsewhere.

The largest ferry project is the $120 million new Alaska-class ferry, but also included is a $30 million replacement of the engines on the Columbia, the ferry system’s flagship.

About 8 percent of federal money spent on Alaska transportation projects goes to the ferry system, but Hughes said that amount was expected to decline.

The largest amount of federal money goes to the National Highway System roads, which get 48 percent, Hughes said. Another 39 percent goes to projects involving mostly roads that

Article source: http://feeds.stateline.org/~r/StatelineorgRss-Transportation/~3/cm06NL5Xv2A/state-transportation-plans-face.html