$1.7M Federal Grant for Huslia to Relocate Electric Infrastructure
The shoreline in Huslia.
Jo Goldmann | US Fish & Wildlife Service
Federal cash is helping the Koyukuk River village of Huslia protect its energy infrastructure from erosion along the riverbank.
Supporting Resiliency
The US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $1.7 million grant to Huslia to support resiliency by relocating and replacing elements of the village’s power distribution network that are in a river erosion zone.
“President Biden is committed to supporting tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” says Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide more secure power infrastructure to Huslia Village to create new economic opportunity and improve the region’s economic resilience.”
This project is funded under EDA’s Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support the needs of tribal governments and Indigenous communities as they recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future.
Current Issue
June 2023
“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” says Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support Huslia Village’s efforts to provide a favorable operating environment for local business, creating the potential for future job growth and creation.”
The EDA grant is expected to create or retain nearly 140 jobs and generate $1.9 million in private investment, according to the village’s estimates.
This year the Alaska Railroad is celebrating 100 years of transportation people and cargo around Alaska. While the railroad is one of the states oldest transporters, it certainly isn’t the only one, and in this issue of Alaska Business we also check in on the Marine Highway, Span Alaska, and the White Pass & Yukon Route. For those interested in Southeast, our focus on that region provides updates on Kensington Mine, Tongass FCU, the troll fishery, and Juneau’s growing landfill.