$3.76 million from Water & Sewer Fund and $1.69 million in Outside Entity Funding projects
UNALAKLEET—The Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) Board of Directors voted to distribute more than $5.45 million, in total, to Norton Sound member communities and regional organizations at their 2020 1st Quarter Meeting held last week. A total of $3.76 million was awarded to water and sewer improvement projects in four member communities. Another $1.69 million was awarded in Outside Entity Funding (OEF) grants to 20 organizations in the region for various programs, infrastructure, and activities.
NSEDC Board approves $3.76 million in Water & Sewer Fund projects
The NSEDC Water & Sewer Fund was created in 2019 and aims to address critical water and sewer needs in Norton Sound communities. Four NSEDC member communities do not have piped water and sewer infrastructure, relying on honey buckets and a central location for potable water. Eleven communities have infrastructure in place but face costly repair and maintenance projects to expand or keep their systems operational.
“It goes without saying that water and sewer issues impact the health and welfare of residents, as well as the financial stability of municipalities,” NSEDC Board Chair Frank Katchatag said. “Reliable water and sanitation services has long been a critical need in our region. Today’s pandemic highlights the importance of good hygiene. I’m grateful NSEDC is in a financial position to provide support for critical infrastructure in our member communities.”
Approved Water & Sewer Fund projects have two years to utilize grant funds. The Water & Sewer Fund is a five-year program that will sunset in 2024. Application deadlines are posted on our website and the NSEDC Board may review applications at any quarterly meeting. Since the inception of the program, NSEDC has awarded more than $4.2 million, in total, to seven communities from the Water & Sewer Fund.
| May 2020 Water & Sewer Fund Awards | ||
| Organization | Project Title | Award |
| City of Brevig Mission | Flexible Water and Sewer Connection Improvements | $887,800 |
| City of Savoonga | Water and Wastewater Improvements | $995,000 |
| Stebbins Community Association | Piped Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection System | $1,000,000 |
| City of St. Michael | Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements | $880,000 |
| Water & Sewer Fund TOTAL | $3,762,800 | |
$1.69 million awarded to 20 organizations in the region from NSEDC’s Outside Entity Funding Program
The NSEDC Board of Directors approved a total of more than $1.69 million from the Outside Entity Funding (OEF) Program to 20 community and regional organizations. The approved 2020 community projects totaled $1.59 million in 13 member communities and $100,034 for two regional programs.
NSEDC’s OEF program was established to contribute to regional programs, projects and activities benefitting member communities. A total of 90% of funds allocated to the OEF program is divided equally between each NSEDC member community. The remaining 10% is reserved for project proposals from qualifying regional entities.
| 2020 Outside Entity Funding | ||
| Community Grants | ||
| Organization | Project Title | Award |
| Brevig Mission School | 2020 Healthy Hearts, Hands & Habits | $48,367.08 |
| Native Village of Brevig Mission | Youth Culture | $46,300 |
| Native Village of Diomede | Development Coordinator Program, Metal Debris Backhaul Project, Polar Bear Watch Program, Fire Department Upgrade | $233,395.87 |
| Native Village of Elim | Road Maintenance & Snow Removal | $76,945.72 |
| City of Elim | Skid Mounted Burn Unit & Used Oil Burner | $54,096.72 |
| Gambell School | Gambell High School Wrestling | $36,500 |
| Gambell School | Gambell Elementary & Jr. High Wrestling | $25,500 |
| Native Village of Gambell | Block & Tackle Purchase | $20,000 |
| City of Gambell | D6 Dozer | $131,000 |
| Chinik Eskimo Community | Search & Rescue | $80,500 |
| City of Koyuk | Utility Department Vehicle Purchase | $21,095.95 |
| Nome Boys & Girls Club | STEM Program | $10,000 |
| Nome Kennel Club | Trail Stakes | $9,581.25 |
| Hogarth Kingeekuk Senior Memorial School | Athletic Travel | $60,000 |
| Native Village of Shaktoolik | Outdoor Basketball Court | $120,000 |
| Stebbins Community Association | Reindeer Corral & Administrative Support | $231,000 |
| City of St. Michael | Community Van & Equipment | $247,393 |
| City of Teller | Side by Side Purchase | $17,718.75 |
| City of Teller | Vehicle Purchase | $66,708 |
| City of Unalakleet | Baler Project Completion | $55,095 |
| Regional Grants | ||
| Organization | Project Title | Award |
| Bering Strait School District | I-HEAR | $60,034 |
| Norton Sound Health Corporation | Nursing Program | $40,000 |
NSEDC focuses on safety in planning for 2020 commercial fishing operations
In gearing up for the 2020 commercial fishing season NSEDC has created a COVID-19 Community & Workforce Protection Plan in an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in communities in which NSEDC and Norton Sound Seafood Products (NSSP) operates.
A central element in NSEDC’s planning is to eliminate or limit the movement of individuals between regional communities as much as possible. For our seafood plants and buying stations, NSEDC plans to only hire residents who are currently in the communities in which we operate. Plans are also in place to isolate vessel crews to keep them from interacting with communities and residents as they transit the region to provide support to fishermen. The plan also includes a number of measures to keep individuals distanced from each other while at work while putting in place protective measures when distancing is not possible.
Once finalized, the NSEDC COVID-19 Community & Workforce Protection Plan will be made available to member communities and residents and will be placed on NSEDC’s website.
For more information on the 2020 NSEDC 1st Quarter Board of Directors Meeting, contact NSEDC Communications Director Laureli Ivanoff at laureli@nsedc.com.
# # #
