Alaska receives a massive boost from federal funds for the construction of sewer and water system within Alaska Native communities.
The Indian Health Service is sending $440 million. The funds come directly from an infrastructure law Congress approved in 2021 as well as from the earmarks U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski demanded during the annual bills for appropriations along with the budget for the normal federal year.
“It’s 10 times more than the quantity in Indian Health Service funding that we’ve been receiving historically,” said Charissa Williar coordinator of the Sanitation Facilities Program at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
The funds will be used to fund 42 projects in the communities of in the State, she explained that included six villages that will be getting piped water for the very first time.
Six of them, Williar said, are Wales, Stebbins, Mertarvik, Tununak, Kipnuk and Tuluksak. (Circle she added will also receive an upgraded water system, however it’s not piped but rather hauled.)
One of the most important aspects of the initiatives, she explained that the local population will be taught how to construct these structures, and will be given the opportunity to be licensed as electricians, plumbers or carpenters.
“Through this, they’re developing knowledge and skills, as well as learning about the system to ensure that, once the project is complete they’ll be able to manage it and even pipe new homes when they’re constructed,” she said.
Construction will likely begin within the next about two or three years once the design is completed.
After these projects are completed, Williar said, fewer than 30 Alaska villages will remain without running water piped to the village or flush toilets.
