Many areas of the Tongass National Forest have undergone a transition from a primarily resource-based economy to one with a larger role for tourism and related industries. At the request of the Alaska Region, Volpe conducted a study on options for using the existing assets of the Tongass transportation system to generate economic development opportunities, with a particular focus on recreation and tourism. The initial phase of the study focused on the Hoonah and Wrangell areas and used a stakeholder consultation process to identify opportunities for improved access, new transportation-related amenities, and targeted investments in tourism-related infrastructure. Several of the study findings were used by the Forest Service to support applications for external funding and local partnerships.

Final Report, June 2008
Tongass National Forest Transportation System Opportunity Study (PDF, 4.3MB)