Mayor LaFrance highlights Port of Alaska’s national significance during three visits from federal of

A visit Monday to the Don Young Port of Alaska by Dale R. Marks, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, marked the third high-level federal visit to the port in just one week, underscoring its national importance.

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance hosted the tour and briefing alongside Acting Port Director Jim Jager and Colonel Lisa M. Mabbutt, Commander of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER).

Assistant Secretary Marks’ visit follows tours last Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Troy Edgar. These visits highlight the growing recognition of the port as a critical asset for national security, defense, logistics, economic stability and energy developments.

The ongoing Port of Alaska Modernization Program (PAMP) will ensure the port can continue to support military readiness and logistics for decades to come.

"The Don Young Port of Alaska is essential to our state's economy and to our national security," said Mayor LaFrance. "I'm proud to show our federal and military partners the progress we're making on this critical modernization project. This is about more than just docks and cargo; it's about building a more resilient Alaska and a more secure nation."

The port is an essential link in the supply chain, handling roughly half of all inbound freight and fuel, ensuring that communities from Anchorage to the farthest reaches of the state receive the goods they need. Its modernization is crucial to the economic well-being and daily lives of Alaskans.

Additionally, it’s a designated Commercial Strategic Seaport by the Department of Defense. This designation shows the Don Young Port of Alaska’s importance in projecting U.S. military power across the Pacific Rim and the Arctic. Assistant Secretary Marks’ visit emphasizes the Department of Defense's vested interest in the port's continued functionality and modernization.

The Port of Alaska Modernization Program is a priority for Mayor LaFrance and her administration. Her team has worked hard to keep the massive project on track, securing critical funding and streamlining the contracting process.

Mayor LaFrance’s proactive engagement and advocacy are key to ensuring the port's aging infrastructure is replaced before it fails, safeguarding Alaska's supply chain and supporting national defense capabilities.