SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski is currently accepting appropriations requests from Alaskans for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). The deadline for submissions is February 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM AKST. The portal for these requests opened on January 3, 2025.

Senator Murkowski emphasized the importance of these requests, stating, “Every year, I’m proud to partner with Alaskans to request funding for projects that help address our communities’ needs and priorities.” She encouraged residents to contact her office about potential projects in their communities.

The appropriations process includes opportunities for both programmatic funding and Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), allowing federal assistance for local needs. CDS accounts for less than one percent of federal discretionary spending and does not increase overall spending levels. Without this process, funds might be allocated to other states by unelected officials rather than elected representatives.

However, the process is lengthy and uncertain. There is no guarantee that CDS requests will be included in federal spending bills due to eligibility criteria and limited funds. Many requests may not advance or receive funding.

Currently, the federal budget is funded through March 14, 2025. This creates uncertainty for FY25 requests included in the Senate’s FY25 appropriations bills. Projects submitted previously must be resubmitted for FY26 consideration as prior submissions do not carry over automatically.

Proposals will be reviewed by Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on a bipartisan basis using established criteria. Applicants must be Alaskan residents with projects located in Alaska.