U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, has said that over $230 million have been directed to Alaska from the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus through the new Congressionally Directed Spending process.
The funding includes $420,000 allocated to Juneau, $100,000 to Kivalina, $659,000 to Togiak, $540,000 to Metlakatla and $1.5 million to Old Harbor in Alaska. The overall appropriations covers dozens of initiatives, with six devoted to energy and water projects.
The funding provided to Juneau is for Alaska Heat Smart for the installation of air-source heat pumps in lower-income households. The funding to Kivalina will be used for a biomass facility. The $659,000 for Togiak will support the construction of a heat recovery system. Metlakatla will use the funding for an emergency backup generator for the Metlakatla Indian Community. Old Harbor will use its funding to provide Emergency Operations Center Grant Program funding to the Alutiiq Tribe so it can set up a tsunami shelter community center.
Senator Murkowski said, “The funding I secured through this process will support local projects, create jobs, and provide communities with a much-needed boost. While some may disparage Congress’ role in shaping the federal budget, for the Alaskans who are working hard to help our state, this targeted support is incredibly significant. This is effectively returning Alaskan taxpayer dollars back to our state in direct response to community needs.”
Senator Murkowski asserts that the projects will have a real, tangible impact on the lives of Alaskans “but may not have been funded without explicit direction from Congress.”
