$1.9M Federal Grant for The Kuskokwim Corporation Sawmill

Developing Local Industry

The EDA investment will be matched with $1.6 million in local funds. In its grant application, TKC Fish Wheel anticipates that milling timber harvested from tribal lands, creating lumber for sustainable housing, would create approximately seventy-five jobs in the Middle Kuskokwim region and generate $13.6 million in private investment.

“Every Alaskan knows the prohibitively high costs of living associated with transportation costs from outside goods. What’s worse, we have so many of the materials we need right in our backyards,” says US Representative Mary Peltola. “As our communities combat outmigration and associated housing and energy shortages, it is imperative we are able to access the resources we need to keep Alaskans in state. This grant will support those aims and increase Alaskans’ self-sufficiency.”

This project is funded under the 2023 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance program funds.

“The EDA’s announcement of significant funding for the Fish Wheel will complement TKC’s efforts,” says US Senator Lisa Murkowski. “I recently took an extraordinary trip on the Middle Kuskokwim, visiting six communities on the river over two days. I learned firsthand what TKC is doing to create new jobs, boost the economy, and create additional housing amid a state-wide housing shortage—all while utilizing local resources.”