Stevens, Murkowski introduce legislation to revive Denali Commission
On May 11 U.S. Sens. Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski, both Republicans, introduced federal legislation to reauthorize and amend the Denali Commission Act of 1998. The legislation would reauthorize the Denali Commission through fiscal year 2014 and clarify some of the commissions’ authorities.
The Denali Commission is a federal-state partnership that channels federal funds into improving the rural infrastructure in Alaska. The commission has been involved in projects such as the upgrade of rural bulk fuel storage and power generation facilities.
“Unemployment rates in many Alaska villages remain above 50 percent. The high cost of basic goods, coupled with public infrastructure comparable to that of developing nations, often creates difficult circumstances for rural Alaskans,” Stevens said. “The Denali Commission is our best hope for properly addressing these issues and meeting the needs of Alaskans. Its continued presence is critically important to the future of those who live in remote parts of our state.”
“The Denali Commission has provided critical infrastructure throughout the state of Alaska,” said Murkowski. “I thank Senator Stevens for his leadership in creating the commission, and I am proud to work with him today to ensure that it is able to continue its work.” In addition to its rural infrastructure projects, the commission has been supporting job training for rural residents through funding for Denali Training Fund, Alaska Works Partnership, University of Alaska for Allied Health Training, First Alaskans Institute and Associated General Contractors of Alaska. The new legislation would authorize continuation of the job training program and would also authorize the commission to provide funding for the construction, purchase or renovation of teacher housing in rural communities.
—Alan Bailey
|