FAIRBANKS, AK – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, convened a roundtable discussion with Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) and local business leaders to discuss the importance of Congress’ upcoming consideration of a new federal surface transportation bill to support Alaska’s economy and communities.
The event, part of the U.S. Chamber’s national infrastructure tour and Keep America Moving initiative, continues to build momentum for renewing federal funding for the nation’s roads, bridges, transit programs, and other surface transportation infrastructure, which is scheduled to expire later this year.
“Alaska’s communities depend on reliable transportation and essential care infrastructure and it’s the folks in those communities who are best positioned to identify which priorities are most impactful for them,” said Rep. Begich. “That is why it is so important to hear directly from local groups like the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, which represents the voices of those most impacted by federal investments made in Washington, D.C. I appreciate every opportunity to hear from Alaskans on transportation and infrastructure issues, and I thank the Chamber’s membership for their thoughtful input on important legislation pending in the U.S. House.”
Local business leaders emphasized the importance of preserving key funding mechanisms and advancing policy solutions that ensure long-term certainty and efficiency in project delivery.
“The Fairbanks Chamber appreciated the opportunity to meet with Representative Begich to discuss the surface transportation reauthorization and what it means for Alaska,” said Katie Yarrow, President & CEO of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. “Our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has followed these renewals closely over the years, tracking progress and identifying opportunities to strengthen the process for the future. Preserving our 90/10 match, utilizing marketing to educate the public on the Highway Trust Fund, and permitting reform were key points of discussion. Ultimately, stability and long-term certainty in federal transportation funding are foundational to unlocking development across Alaska and in Interior communities that Alaskans depend on.”
“America’s economy depends on modern infrastructure to thrive,” said Chris Eyler, Vice President for the Northwest Region at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “This is a fact that Alaskans understand more than most, and Rep. Begich is clearly committed to working with the business community to ensure that the next surface transportation bill delivers for all Americans.”
Keep America Moving is a U.S. Chamber initiative that builds support for federal surface transportation reauthorization—set to expire on September 30, 2026—by convening events in congressional districts nationwide and engaging policymakers in Washington.
