The Murkowski Memo:

2022 in Review

Happy New Year Alaska! Here’s a quick look back at some noteworthy moments over the past year. 

2022: Year in Review

January
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Wins Head to Alaska

Projects across Alaska—including $250 million for the Port of Nome, $185 million for the Lowell Creed flood diversion project, and $25 million to fix the Denali Park Road—received significant funding thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law. 

February
Discussing Bipartisanship

I joined Senator Joe Manchin on CNN’s State of the Union—hosted by Jake Tapper—where we discussed the importance of bipartisanship and putting Alaskans and Americans first.

March

Investing in Alaska through Congressionally Directed Spending and Improving Public Safety with the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act

The FY22 Omnibus package included $230 million I secured for over 65 Alaska projects—and provided significant support for public safety efforts with the reauthorization of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) I helped lead.

April
Infrastructure Grant Symposium in Anchorage

In April, I hosted over 1,100 Alaskan leaders for an Infrastructure Grant Symposium, to share opportunities for their communities that exist within the transformational bipartisan infrastructure law.

May
Honoring America’s Veterans

I had the privilege of joining the Memorial Day ceremony at Byers Lake, an honored tradition I’ve taken part of for the past two decades, put on by Veteran Motorcycle Clubs across Alaska. It’s so important to give our veterans the respect and honor they deserve. I’ll continue paying tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. 

June

Activation of the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska

Senator Dan Sullivan and I attended the U.S. Army Alaska’s re-designation as the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage.

July

Securing Historic Funding for Alaska’s Ferries

The Federal Transit Administration made $300 million available for ferries. The funding, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, will support rural ferry systems and build out electric ferries in Alaska.

August

Being Recognized as Honorary Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard

During a visit to Air Station Sitka, the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Admiral Linda Fagan, recognized me as an honorary Chief Petty Officer of the USCG, a title given only to individuals who demonstrate the highest commitment to the Coast Guard's core values.

September

Typhoon Merbok Response and Relief Efforts

This fall, Typhoon Merbok produced widespread damage to communities in Western Alaska. I headed to impacted communities – Elim, Nome and Golovin, and was joined by Representative Peltola in a visit to Hooper Bay and Chevak – to see firsthand the extent of the damage. U.S. Senator Sullivan, Representative Peltola, Governor Dunleavy, and I were united in advocating for Alaska to have as much immediate support as possible and our efforts paid off—welcoming announcements that the President issued a major disaster declaration to support Western Alaska’s recovery.

October

Attending the Alaska Federation of Natives’ (AFN) Annual Conference

It was great to be in Anchorage with so many Alaskans at the first in-person AFN Convention since 2019. From increased broadband, water and wastewater investments, to improved climate resilience and storm recovery—I was proud to share the work we’ve done at the federal level to support Alaska Native communities.

November

Bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act Passes the Senate

I have long supported marriage equality and believe all lawful marriages deserve respect. I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act as all Americans deserve dignity, respect, and equal protection under the law. 

December

Recognizing Congressman Don Young’s Legacy

Congressman Don Young’s legacy will live on in many ways: His family, his landmark legislative accomplishments, and now, thanks to the Don Young Recognition Act, the most active volcano in the Aleutian Islands named after him—a fitting representation of the always-active, sometimes unpredictable Congressman for all of Alaska.

Year-End FY23Omnibus Packed with Good News for Alaska

As senior Appropriator, I helped write major parts of the FY23 omnibus bill, and secured significant funding and assistance for Alaska throughout it. I championed provisions to strengthen Alaska’s economy, accelerate workforce development, and support military members and their families. This includes the nearly $500 million in Congressionally Directed Spending I secured to benefit over 130 community-driven projects in Alaska.