Tribal Grant Bringing Broadband Fiber to Nenana
Photo Credit: Scott Rhode | Alaska Business
Where the highway and Alaska Railroad intersect Interior rivers, a new thread is plugging into the junction. Nenana is set to receive broadband internet service thanks to a collaboration between Alaska Communications, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and Nenana Native Association. The project received grant funding from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Connectivity and Workforce Training
“This project supports our vision for an innovative, bustling, diverse community which upholds quality education while preserving traditional ways of life,” says JT Baker, tribal administrator of Nenana Native Association. “Access to broadband leads to improved healthcare, education, and economic outcomes.”
The project will bring fiber-optic connectivity to 362 households, 30 businesses, and 9 anchor institutions in Nenana. Service is expected to be available in early 2027.
Current Issue
September 2026
The Nenana Native Association will tap into Tanana Chiefs Conference’s workforce development initiatives to offer residents paid on-the-job training during installation. The partners will seek to hire at least two apprentices for the two-year term. Apprentices will have the opportunity to engage in project development, design, logistics, and construction of the broadband network, preparing them for careers supporting the network.
“We’re honored to work with Nenana Native Association and Tanana Chiefs Conference, building on their knowledge of traditional values, to bring advanced broadband services adhering to the highest standards in our industry,” says Alaska Communications CEO and President Paul Fenaroli. “Through the creation of local jobs and equitable access to healthcare and education, this project marks an exciting milestone for the storied community of Nenana.”
The grant was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The Nenana project follows the announcement last month of another NTIA grant to enable Alaska Communications to bring broadband connectivity to the Kodiak Island villages of Old Harbor, Chiniak, Akhiok, and Womens Bay. Project Nunapet, as it’s called, is a collaboration with Old Harbor Native Corporation.
AOGA Announces 2026 Industry Award Winners
The Alaska Oil and Gas Association announced the individuals and companies honored with its 2026 Industry Awards at this week’s annual conference.
$410M Federal Grants for Ferry System Upgrades
Federal grants include $153.4 million to replace M/V LeConte, funds to develop a new Juneau ferry terminal, and cash for operations.
$10M Rebuild of Borealis Theatre at Alaska State Fair
The Alaska State Fair is rebuilding the Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds in Palmer to increase audience capacity and improve facilities for visiting concert acts.
What happens when a city with fewer than 300 residents becomes a major freight and tourism hub, despite being accessible only by boat, plane, or a one-lane highway/railroad tunnel managed on a strict schedule?
If you’re in the City of Whittier, you get busy. The city has two separate transportation planning efforts underway, including a safety action plan under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative, which focuses on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and emergency responders. The second is Whittier Moves, the city’s transportation master plan, which serves as the long-term roadmap for growth.