SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski has announced an extension for the deadline for Alaskans to submit appropriations requests for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). The request portal, which opened on January 3, 2025, will now remain accessible until February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM AKST.

Senator Murkowski's website provides the Appropriations Request Form for FY26, allowing Alaskans to apply for programmatic funding and Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). This process enables federal assistance tailored to local and state-specific needs. "The CDS process accounts for no more than one percent of federal discretionary spending and does not increase overall spending levels," stated the announcement.

The CDS process ensures that federal funds are allocated based on decisions by elected representatives rather than unelected bureaucrats. However, 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. Projects included in FY25 appropriations bills face uncertainty; thus, reapplication for FY26 is advised. "Prior submissions do not automatically carry over and must be resubmitted for consideration," the release noted.

Proposals will be reviewed by Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on a bipartisan basis using established criteria. Eligibility requires applicants to be Alaskan with projects located in Alaska. The submission deadline remains February 28, 2025.