Assembly funds $120,000 for ADA website compliance; DOJ rule sets 2026 deadline
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Summary
The Assembly approved a $120,000 appropriation to make borough web properties comply with the U.S. Department of Justice's web accessibility rules. Administration said the DOJ final rule took effect in June 2024 and the borough's compliance deadline is April 24, 2026.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly on Aug. 14 approved a $120,000 appropriation from the Information Technology Infrastructure Sustainment (ITIS) reserve to fund an Americans with Disabilities Act website compliance project.
Digital services staff explained the appropriation will fund web‑accessibility consultants and remediation technology to help the borough meet the U.S. Department of Justice's updated web accessibility requirements. Blake Moore of the Digital Services Department told the Assembly the DOJ final rule took effect in June 2024 and the borough's compliance deadline is April 24, 2026.
Moore said the work includes adopting accessibility standards across the borough's websites and digital platforms and building a long‑term strategy to maintain compliance. The ITIS reserve balance was reported at roughly $1.3 million and the appropriation sets up a multi‑year project; any unspent funds will return to the reserve at project close. Supporters said improved accessibility will reduce legal risk and broaden public access to borough services. The Assembly approved the ordinance by unanimous vote.