The Governor's "Plan" for Rural Alaska- ASK CONGRESS!

Office of the Governor, June 12, 2003
Governor’s Federal Efforts of Behalf of Rural Alaska
The State administration is taking a number of steps at the Federal level in Washington, DC to support the funding needs of rural areas and local
communities. These steps can be described briefly as follows:
Fiscal Relief to States and localities:
Pursuant to new Federal law, the State will soon receive $25 million in "Flexible assistance" for use in funding essential programs or to satisfy Federal mandates.
This amount will be followed by another $25 million at the beginning of the next Federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1, 2003.
State Appropriations Request for Rural Alaska
The State has submitted a number of appropriations requests to Congress for programs and services that benefit rural Alaska. These programs encompass a
broad spectrum of activities, including education, law enforcement, and economic development. Specific examples include:
· Rural Law Enforcement
· Alaska Frontier Health Initiative
· Various road projects
· TB Program
· Rural Diesel Fuel Health Assessment
· Rural EMS Training
· Suicide Prevention Program
· Rural Prosecution Support Team
· Community Health Aide Training
· Drug Abuse Resistance Education
· Rural Alcohol Interdiction
· Fishing Industry Assistance
State Appropriations Requests for Specific Communities
In addition, the State has requested Federal appropriations for projects and programs in particular communities. These include:
· Aleknagik
· Chandalar
· Chena Hot Springs
· Chignik Bay
· Chignik Lagoon
· Chignik Lake
· Dillingham
· Ketchikan
· Nome
· Seldovia
State Support for Budget Requests Submitted Directly by Local Communities
Staff of the DC Governor's office has met with representatives of a number of Alaska communities to discuss their local priorities and projects. In almost every
instance, the State has expressed strong support for these priorities and has communicated its support for specific projects to the Alaska Congressional
delegation. Because of the large number, particular projects are not mentioned here. These communities include:
· Aleutian Pribilof Islands
· North Slope Borough
· Ketchikan
· Sitka
· Nome
· Wasilla
· Kenai
· Wrangell
· Juneau
· Mat-Su Borough
· Kotzebue
· Seward
· Craig
· Metlakatla
· Calista/Donlan Creek
Federal Grants
In a number of instances, State agencies submit applications for Federal grants which benefit rural Alaska. In addition, upon request, the State often supports
grant applications submitted directly by local communities/organizations representing rural Alaska. These organizations include:
· Alaska Federation of Natives
· Kawerak, Inc.
· Norton Sound Health Corporation
· Tanana Chiefs