US Department of Commerce Invests $3.1M to Bolster Kenai Peninsula Mariculture Workforce
Photo Credit: LaSalle Photo | iStock
The US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.1 million grant to the Chugach Regional Resources Commission in Anchorage to bolster workforce development in the Kenai Peninsula mariculture sector.
Supporting Mariculture
The grant supports expansion of the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute Patrick (Ratii) Norman facility, helping to create jobs in the marine research and mariculture career fields. The EDA investment will be matched with $1.1 million in local funds and is expected to retain ninety-five jobs and generate $12 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“We know that American workers fuel our economic competitiveness, and this EDA investment will provide the Kenai Peninsula community with the skills they need to acquire good-paying, quality jobs while also helping to diversify the regional economy,” says US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Alaska’s congressional delegation welcomed Raimondo’s announcement.
“This investment from the EDA will help the Kenai Peninsula harness the full potential of the mariculture industry,” Senator Lisa Murkowski says. “Expanding the facility will not only result in more advanced marine research capabilities, but also will invigorate workforce development efforts and private investment opportunities within the Kenai Peninsula.”
“As the largest producer of seafood in the nation—roughly 60 percent of American seafood comes from our waters—Alaska is undoubtedly the superpower of seafood for our country,” says Senator Dan Sullivan. “But our oceans provide us with even more opportunities in mariculture for jobs and for economic development. We have tremendous opportunities for sustainable mariculture in Alaska, and I’m pleased that these funds will bolster much needed workforce development to further develop that industry.”
“Alaskans and our fishing families know how important fish is; it’s a part of our way of life. Investments in mariculture can help us sustainably protect this way of life and our environment while creating new, good-paying jobs,” says Representative Mary Peltola.
Current Issue
January 2026
The EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for US workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” says Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will bolster a critical sector in Alaska’s economy by providing workforce development in an essential, sustainable industry.”
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