USDA grants help fund water and sanitation projects across Alaska
September 2, 2016Categories: Healthy Homes and Communities
This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development (USDA-RD) announced several grants and loan funding for rural Alaska communities and organizations to address rural sanitation issues. ANTHC is among the grantees, as well as many of our Tribal health partners, which total $27 million in USDA-RD Water and Environmental Programs funding. The funding ANTHC received will support sanitation projects in Adak, Akiak, Chignik, Eek, Golovin, Hydaburg, Kasaan, Kiana, Kivalina, New Stuyahok, Oscarville, Port Graham, Saxman, Teller, Toksook Bay and Twin Hills. Funding will also be used for technical assistance and training for communities across the state. Projects include planning and assessment for first time water service, necessary water service upgrades and energy efficiency upgrades. The USDA-RD funding recognizes the incredible impact that access to water and sewer facilities can have on the health of our communities and the health of our people. ANTHC’s Environmental Health and Engineering staff have worked with numerous communities and Tribal partners to find solutions that bring these basic sanitation services that reduce the incidence of respiratory and skin conditions in children. For more information, see the USDA-RD press release: USDA Awards $27 Million in Water and Environmental Program Funding to Alaska.