U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.7 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Fortify Energy Infrastructure in Support of Business Growth in Huslia Village, Alaska

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to Huslia Village, Alaska, to support business growth and boost economic resiliency by improving the village’s energy infrastructure. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

This project will relocate and replace elements of the village’s power distribution network that are currently located in a river erosion zone. This EDA grant is expected to create or retain nearly 140 jobs and generate $1.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide more secure power infrastructure to Huslia Village to create new economic opportunity and improve the region’s economic resilience.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support Huslia Village’s efforts to provide a favorable operating environment for local business, creating the potential for future job growth and creation.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.