ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 03, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Department is investing $42 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities in Alaska. As part of the Build Back Better agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in rural communities, creating good-paying jobs, and combating the climate crisis top priorities.
“Rural America is on the front lines of climate change, and our communities deserve investments that will strengthen all of our resilience,” Vilsack said. “President Biden has created a roadmap for how we can tackle the climate crisis and expand access to renewable energy infrastructure, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money on their energy costs. With the Build Back Better agenda, USDA will be able to fund more and more critical projects like those announced today in the coming months and years.”
Throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, USDA is investing $633 million in five programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. These programs include Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Electric Loan Program, Rural Energy for America Program, Rural Energy Savings Program, and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
In Alaska, loans under the Electric Loan Program include:
- $38 million loaned to Alaska Electric and Energy Cooperative Inc. to finance a 46.5-megawatt battery energy storage system on the Kenai Peninsula.
- $4 million loaned to the City and Borough of Sitka to finance generator upgrades and modification projects for the Green Lake hydroelectric facility on Baranof Island and the southern half of Chichagof Island.
Investments made under the Rural Energy for America Program include five Alaskan businesses and eight Alaskan fishing vessels:
Alaska Businesses
- $48,320 invested in Aurora Energy Solutions LLC to purchase firewood processing equipment to meet the capacity of their existing kiln-drying system in Fairbanks.
- $34,770 invested in D&H Rentals LLC to install a 45.6-kilowatts photovoltaic system on the company’s rental properties in Fairbanks.
- $25,407 invested in Artic Sands LLC to install a 34.4-kilowatt photovoltaic system on its rental property in Fairbanks.
- $20,000 invested in Giana Inc. to install an energy-efficient walk-in cooler in Red Diamond Liquor Barn in Soldotna.
- $15,576 invested in Arctic Organics LLC to install a 15.75-kilowatt photovoltaic system at its family-operated farm in Palmer.
- $8,178 invested in the Cripple Creek Organics Farm to help install a 9.18-kilowatt photovoltaic system in Fairbanks.
- $3,338 invested in the Wild Iris Comfort Care Facility to install a 3.9-kilowatt photovoltaic system in Fairbanks.
Alaska Fishing Vessels
- $20,000 invested in the fishing vessel Nordic Lady to help install an energy-efficient refrigerated seawater system and hydraulic pump system on the fishing vessel. Owner Mad Viking LLC has commercially fished in various regions of Alaska for the past 22 years.
- $13,921 invested in the fishing vessel Eagle Claw to help install an energy-efficient refrigerated seawater system. Owner Louis Flora has commercially fished in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska for the past 35 years.
- $13,632 invested in the fishing vessel Frances A to help install insulation and an energy-efficient refrigerated seawater system. Owner Lunate Fisheries LLC has fished in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska for the past 12 years.
- $12,603 invested in the fishing vessel Silver Bay to help install an energy-efficient refrigerated seawater system. Owner Jamison Taylor Ramsey has commercially fished in various regions of Alaska for the past 19 years.
- $12,531invested in the fishing vessel Renegade to help install an energy-efficient refrigerated seawater system and insulate and zone the fish. Owner Christopher Reutov has commercially fished in various regions of Alaska for the past 11 years.
- $9,800 invested in a fishing vessel owned by Sockeye Slayer LLC to help install an energy-efficient refrigerated seawater system and insulate and zone the fish holds. The company’s owner has fished in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska for the past 20 years.
- $8,740 invested in the fishing vessel Ransom to help install an energy-efficient refrigerated seawater system and insulate and zone the fish holds. Owner Christopher Braun has commercially fished in various regions of Alaska for the past 8 years.
- $3,356 invested in a fishing vessel owned by Luke W. Owens to help install a drainage system and insulate the fish hold. Owens has commercially fished in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska for the past 6 years.
These investments will help build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. They will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ak.
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