Letter to The Hon. Elaine Chao, Secretary, Us Department of Transportation - Alaska Delegation Welcomes $21 Million Build Grant for Anchorage International Airport

Letter

Dear Secretary Chao,
We are writing to express our support for Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority's
(AIDEA) application to the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)
Transportation Discretionary Grants program. The funds will be used to construct a cargo and cold
storage warehouse at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). This project will
enhance ANC shipping infrastructure, improve Alaska's supply chain security, and create jobs for
Alaskans.
As recently as April, ANC was recorded as the world's busiest airport, and as such, ANC plays a
significant role in the air cargo trade between the United States and Asia. ANC serves as a critical
fueling station for cargo freighters that cannot fly from Asia to airports in the continental U.S. without
sacrificing payload to carry additional fuel. Despite the fact that two-thirds of cargo freighters and half
of total cargo flown between the U.S. and Asia is transported through Anchorage, the vast majority of
this is "transit" cargo and never leaves the aircraft.
To promote the transformation of ANC from a "gas and go" airport to a cargo transfer hub and
distribution nexus, the project will be to construct an approximately 725,000-square-foot air cargo and
cold storage warehouse at ANC. The facility would support cold, warm, and general cargo storage
warehouse operations. Space in this facility would be leased to third-party customers, including freight
forwarders and cargo carriers.
In addition to enhancing ANC's position a premier air cargo hub, a cold storage facility will provide
vital long-term supply chain security. Alaska is exceptionally vulnerable to supply chain disruptions
due to its geographic isolation and limited in-state cold storage space. Further, Alaska's unique climatic
conditions demand that there be climate-controlled storage at ANC to prevent spoilage or damage to
temperature-sensitive goods.
Consistent with applicable law, policy, and guidance, we respectfully ask that you give due
consideration to AIDEA's FY20 BUILD application and all Alaskan grant applications. We ask that
you keep our offices apprised on the outcome of the application.
Sincerely,